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Glendenning, Albert

Albert Glendenning first appeared on a census in 1891. He was living with his family in Shaw Street Gowerton Glamorganshire.His father and head of the household was Charles Glendenning a 31 year old steel rollerman who had been born in Briton Ferry Glamorgan. His wife was Mary J Glendenning 33 originally from Bristol. Their children were Charles H 6, Albert 4, Maud 2, Mary J 3 months. Jessie Carmichael described as ‘sister’ was 18.

Ten years later in 1901 the census records the family living in 25 Regent Street W Briton Ferry Glamorgan. Charles was 41 a steelworker, Mary was 43. The family had grown and included Charles 15 a stationary engine driver. Albert 13 a tin worker,  Maud 11, Mona 9, Ethel 7, Mabel 5, Redvers 2 months and Violet 3.

In the 1911 census we learn that the family like many others had moved to Deeside where there was work to be had in the ironworks owned by John Summers. They lived in Jubilee Street Shotton. Charles was 51 and a steel roller. Mary his wife of 27 years was 50. Living at home were the following unmarried children.  Albert 23 a steel smelter, Mona 20 a domestic worker, Ethel 18 was a miliner, Mabel 15 was a dressmaker, Violet 13 and Redvers 9 were both at school.

Albert’s Army Service Record survives and is accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk. There is not a lot of information but it tells us that he signed up (attested ) in Wrexham on 11th August 1914 – one of the very early recruits. He was 27 years old and had been born in Briton Ferry Glamorgan. His trade or calling was ‘steelworker’. He was 5 feet 81/2 inches tall and weighed 153 lbs. His complexion was ‘fresh,’ his hair dark brown and his eyes brown. He had a scar on his chin. His religion was C of E.

His next of kin was his father Charles Glendenning who lived at 68 Jubilee Street Shotton. There is correspondence between the army and Charles Glendenning about Albert’s medals.

The length of  his service had been calculated. He served in Britain in Home Service from 11th August 1914 to the 27th June 1915 a total of 321 days. Then he served as part of the Mediteranean Expeditionary Force from 28th June 1915 to 7th August 1915 a total of 41 days. Altogether he served in the army for 362 days.   This was nearly a year since his attestation on the 11th August 1914.

Written in his records is the chilling phrase ‘Death accepted for official purposes 7.8.15.’ In other words they didn’t really know what had happened and his body was never found in the mayhem that was Gallipoli.

Albert Glendenning in the UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 tells us that Death was ‘presumed on or since the 7th August 1915’ and his sole Legatee was his mother Mary, who was paid £2. 11s 1d on the 18th December 1916 and his War Gratuity of £3. 0s 0d on the 20th September 1919.
There is no index card for Albert in the Flintshire Roll of Honour at the County Record Office in Hawarden.

Albert is also remembered on the Hawarden War Memorial and the Memorial Screen in St. Ethelwold’s Church, Shotton.

St. Deniol’s Churchyard -Monumental Inscriptions Volume 1V North Extension, East Side. – Lovelock. – Page 37 – TBv East – Sacred to the memory of Mary, the dearly beloved wife of Charles Henry GLENDINNING (sic), who entered into rest 30th December 1922 age 62 years.   Also of Charles Henry, beloved husband of the above who died December 6th 1943, aged 85 years – Re-United.   Also Albert Alexander, son of the above who fell in Action in Gallipoli the 7th August 1915 aged 26 years. “Father in thy Glorious Keeping leave we now our dear one sleeping.”   North- Also their daughter Augusta Maud, beloved wife of Howard BUCK, who died March 4th 1961, aged 73 years.   Also remembered on the Imperial War Museum – Memorials Project Website –  http://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/64329 – Description – Addition to gravestone. Large white marble angel on square bases, inside double kerbs. Lead lettering

St. Ethelwold’s Church, 2 Stained Glass windows on the right next to the Vestry door.:-
The Gift of Frances Wife of R.D. GLENDENNING and their Sisters, Mona, Violet & their Niece Millie.

Also – Redvers Donald GLENDENNING :-
Recorded on the Imperial War Museum – Memorial Project Website – Description – Set into a recess in an arch on the South side, St Ethelwold Church – Unveiled 1971.
Stained glass window of St George holding a sword in his right hand and a shield with the cross of St George in his left.
Inscription
Window east side at bottom:
In loving memory of Redvers Donald Glendenning,/ Born January 1901, Died October 1966, and of his brother/ Albert Alexander, Born April 1895 who fell in action/ at Gallipoli August 1915. Window west side at bottom: The gift of Frances the Wife of/ Redvers Donald Glendenning, and their sisters Mona/ and Violet, and their niece Millie, 1971.

Taken form the Website :- HAWARDEN WAR MEMORIAL – IWM http://www.iwm.org.uk/corporate/projects-and-partnerships/war-memorials-register

A A Glendenning – WM Ref: 60342 Address: Set into a recess in an arch on the South side., St Ethelwold Church, Chester Road East, Shotton, Alyn And Deeside, Clwyd, CH5 1TF, Wales – Stained glass window of St George holding a sword in his right hand and a shield with the cross of St George in his left.

Albert was probably killed in the action of the 7th August 1915, I have added the War Diaries of the 8th Bn R.W.F.

I have the War Diary of the 8th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers on the days preceding and after the date of Albert’s death, I will send it to anyone who wants it.   Incidentally, the 2 Roger’s brothers, Douglas and Edgar also died on this day, they too are on the Memorial.


Learn more about the other soldiers on the Connahs Quay and Shotton War Memorial

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