John Hughes was the son of mariner John Gethin Hughes and Mary Agnes McLean.

Attended school in Akaroa and Timaru.

Represented Hawke's Bay in rugby.

"During a farewell speech to his fellow Napier volunteers, Hughes stated 'he would rather be a trooper fighting for his country than the richest landholder in Hawke's Bay.'" (DNZB)

Became first New Zealander to be commissioned in the field, December 1899. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant.

"On 15 January 1900 he distinguished himself during a counter-attack against Boers who were trying to seize a hill (later known as New Zealand Hill) overlooking the British camp at Slingersfontein. For his gallantry during this hard-fought action Hughes became the first New Zealand serviceman to be appointed a DSO. He was one of the contingent's outstanding officers, and was mentioned in dispatches before his unit returned to New Zealand in January 1901." (DNZB)

Appointed assistant staff officer to the commandant and commissioned a Captain with the NZ Militia, 1901.

Briefly returned to South Africa in 1902 with the 10th Contingent.

"Prior to the First World War Hughes held various staff positions in the New Zealand forces. He felt, probably with some justification, that he was the victim of unfair treatment by Richard Seddon, the minister of defence; it was not until January 1907, after Seddon's death, that he was belatedly promoted to major." (DNZB)

Married Marion (Maisie) De Vere O'Connor in Wellington, 8 May 1909. They had two sons and a daughter.

Enlisted with NZEF, 5 August 1914, and served as Assistant Military Secretary to GOC (General Officer Commanding), Major General Sir Alexander Godley.

CO (Commanding Officer) of Canterbury Infantry Battalion, Gallipoli, 7 June - 10 October 1915. On 7 August 1915, Canterbury Battalion took heavy casualties when Hughes unwittingly chose to reform his men in an area dominated by a newly emplaced Turkish battery. (DNZB)

Promoted Lieutenant Colonel, 24 September 1915.

Posted to retired list and made an Honorary Colonel, 1917.

Heavily involved with the First New Zealand Mounted Rifles Association until his death.

The Auckland Museum Library's manuscripts collection (MS 2005/4) holds a letter (1 leaf) written by Hughes to Mrs [?Daisy] Tucker, dated 15 December 1919, thanking her for sending a copy of her late husband's war diary. DNZB states Hughes' birthdate as 13 March, whereas Haigh & Polaschek (1993) gives it as 12 March. AWMM