Private Fred Glover, WWI

I have a small booklet printed by O.W. Wilkinson & Co, Lythalls Lane in 1915 and sold [for 2d] in aid of the Voluntary Aided Hospital, Hill Crest, Radford Road. It is titled 'Diary of Private Fred Glover, 2nd Company Canterbury Infantry Battalion, HM's New Zealand Forces. The introduction states that Private Fred Glover is a son of W. Glover, Farmer, Radford, Coventry and was previously employed at the Daimler Motor Works before emigrating to New Zealand in 1912 where he worked in the motor industry in Canterbury. The booklet tells the story of the battalion leaving Wellington in October 1914 and heading via Egypt to the Dardenelles. He was shot in the head but survived and returned via Cairo in June 1915. The booklet came from my grandmother [Maud Beatrice Sanders nee Bailey] and I believe she may have been related to Fred. I have a fairly extensive family tree record but have never encountered the Glovers but I do know that my greatgrandmother was married twice - firstly to a William Christie and it may be that the connection is here. I would welcome any comment/information whether related to Glovers, Hill Crest or Wilkinsons.

Hi Mick. I have only been able to find a little information about Hill crest. It was a large victorian house next to Barrs Hill School and was later used as an art college until the 1960's . The hospital was a VAD hospital run by The womens detachment warwick 26 and commanded by L Seymour. The building was put at their disposal by W I Iliffe the publisher. Some of the proceeds of the sale of Private Glovers book were donated to the hospital.

Thanks Anne. I see there is a large detached house on the city side of Barrs Hill House on my 1889 map of the city but it is unnamed. I assume this is it. My main hope is that there may be some Glovers out there and I might just contact the Telegraph if we get no info here. I suspect that Fred, even though he was returned to NZ probably came home and maybe was taken to Hillcrest. He sounds quite 'lucky' as the shot went through his helmet and fractured his skull!! Thanks for your help.

If you go to www.old-maps.co.uk and search on Coventry [co-ordinates 433074 and 279254] and look at the 1936-37 map (right hand side) - Hillcrest is marked, facing Light Lane

I used to live opposite Glovers Close by Sandpits Lane where Mrs Sanders lived. Sent you an email.