John George Glidewell
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John George Glidewell was born on 8th May 1893 at Buckden, Huntingdonshire and was the son of Samuel Francis a domestic gardener and Leah Glidewell née Harrison of Cross Hill, Mansfield Woodhouse. His father was born in 1868 at Stagsden, Bedfordshire and his mother Leah Harrison was born in 1871 at Cropwell Butler, they were married on 24th November 1891 and went on to have 5 children, 2 of whom sadly died in infancy or early childhood, their children were John George b1893 Buckden, Arthur Fred b1896 Benwick, Cambridgeshire, Charles Samuel b1901 Rufford Lancashire, Ivy Louise b1904 Mansfield and Cecil b1908 Mansfield Woodhouse. In the 1911 census the family are living at Church Street, Mansfield Woodhouse an are shown as Samuel Francis Glidewell 43 yrs a domestic gardener, he is living with his wife Leah 40 yrs and their children John George a mill and roller coverer in wool and wosted, Arthur Fred 15 yrs a mill hand, Charles Samuel 10 yrs a schola, Ivy Louise 5 yrs and Cecil 3yrs.
Private John George Glidewell, enlisted at Mansfield and served with the 2/8th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, he was killed in action on 27th April 1917 and having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, Some, France.
Article published in the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton times on 1st June 1917 : - “ANOTHER BRAVE LAD GONE WEST. — The news that yet another soldier belonging to Mansfield Woodhouse had gallantly died whilst bravely defending home and country was received on Friday with deep regret. Private John George Glidewell was one of the first to join the colours, attaching himself to the 2nd/8th Sherwood Foresters. He was the elder son of Mr. Samuel Glidewell. of Cross Hill, gardener to Mrs. Turner. He reached his 24th birthday on the 8th May. After training he was sent to assist in quelling the Irish rebellion, where he remained some months. Later he was drafted to France, from whence the sad news of his death was received on Friday. As the following letter testifys, [sic] he was a splendid soldier, and was much liked by his comrades: — “I am very sorry to tell you that your son Private J. G. Glidewell, previously reported missing, is now known to have been killed in action. May I assure you of my deep sympathy with you in your loss, at the same time I know you will always be proud that he gave his life in so fine a way. He is highly spoken of by both officers and men, and is greatly missed. He has been buried, and the Battalion is setting up a cross on his grave which will be well cared for. May God bless and comfort you and grant him rest. Yours very truly, Stanley Hide, Captain (C.F.)” Prior to enlisting he was a member of the Wesleyan Church, and a Sunday School teacher. His name is one of the first on the roll of honour. He was always cheerful and bright, and will be greatly missed by his old friends.” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
