John William Gilham
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John William Gilham was born in 1877 at Blackwell, Derbyshire he was the son of the late John Gilman a watchman and Sarah Gilman née Hickman of 10 Coventry Road, Bulwell. His father John was born in 1839 at North Teddenham, Norfolk, he died in 1915 at Bulwell, he was 76 years old, his mother Sarah Hickman was born in 1849 at Bulwell, they were married on 2nd April 1871 at Barker Gate Meeting Place, Nottingham, they had 3 other children, James b1873, Mary Jane b1875 both were born in Derbyshire and Lily b1878 at Bulwell . In the 1911 census his parents were living at 12 Main Street, Bulwell, John 72 yrs is a retired wachman he is living with his wife Sarah 63 yrs, none of the children are living at the family home.
Sergeant John William Gilham enlisted at Derby on 24th August 1914 giving his age as 38 yrs and 87 days, he was a coal miner and was living at 12 Main Street, Bulwell,he had seen previous army service, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 16 July 1915 whilst on ship sailing towards Gallipoli. He was killed on 9 August 1915 age 39, in the attack at Ismail Oglu Tepe, (Chocolate Hill), Gallipoli, Turkey. Having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Helles Memorial, Turkey. Panel 150 to 152.
He originally served during the Boer War and received a DCM in South Africa - 1901 - London Gazette '- Gilham, J, Sergeant 4789; 1st Battalion Derbyshire Regiment; London Gazette 27 September 1901, At Diamond Hill on 12th June 1901, he attended to his wounded officer, a long sustained action of great coolness and devotion, lasting for considerably over an hour'.
