Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
John was born at Barnard Castle the son of Irish couple Samuel and Bridget.
The 1881 census shows the family living at Thorngate. The family includes siblings Edward a mason’s labourer, Mary a flax spinner, Thomas joiner’s apprentice, Elizabeth Samuel and young John.
By 1891 Bridget was now a widow and the family had changed. Brother Edward was a woodman, Mary remained a flax spinner but Elizabeth was a flax polisher (linen). 2 granddaughters had come into the family named Elizabeth and Mary Dent.
Upon leaving school John joined the Green Howards and served in Ireland and India. John seemed to be a lifelong soldier signing up at age 18. He first joined the Army as number 5266 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry 18th August 1896 then later with the Yorkshire Regiment. He was at home from that date until 29th November 1897 (1 year 104 days). He was sent to India 30th November 1897 until 30th November 1901? then back home for a couple of years ie until 17th August 1903? In total he served for 12 years. At some time he also served in Ireland.
During his time in service he tried to better himself by achieving a certificate in education. He also was awarded a certificate for first field dressing. He was promoted to corporal on 29th January 1903.
He fought with the Tirah Expeditionary Force and won a medal for his work - the India 1895 and Clasp, Punjab Frontier, Tirah.
On 17th August 1908 he was discharged due to termination of his engagement .
He married about 1904 to Mary from the Filey area of Yorkshire. The couple went on to have three sons John, Joseph and Austin. In civilian life it seems he worked as a postman at both Filey and Barnard Castle.
When war broke out in 1914 John was called up again serving with the Yorkshire Regiment as number 8403. He enlisted at Richmond.
He was killed in action at Gallipoli on August 21st 1915.
He is listed on the Helles Memorial which commemorates almost 21,000 soldiers who died there. It stands on the top of the Gallipoli Peninsula. It takes the form of an obelisk over 30 metres high that can be seen by ships passing through the Dardenelles.
John Gilmore is remembered in Barnard Castle on B135.01, B135.02, B135.23 and B135.23
