Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Gregory, a grazier, born 1862 in Gaddesby, Leics., and his wife Sarah, born 1864 in Castle Donington, Leics. John William was born in 1888 in Gaddesby, Leics., his siblings were, Edward Weston, born 1895 and Alice Agnes, born 1900, both his siblings were born in Gaddesby, Leics., also residing with the family was his maternal grandfather, David Weston, a widower and retired policeman, born 1823 in Huntingdon, in March 1901 the family home was at Gaddesby, Leics. In April 1911 John was employed as a domestic gardener and was residing as a servant at The Bothies, Osmaston Manor, Derbys. On Friday October 26th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS” – GADDESBY. LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED.- Deep sympathy will be extended to Mr and Mrs W. Gregory in the great loss they have sustained by the death of their eldest son, Pte. J. W. Gregory, of the Hampshire Regt., who was killed in action on Sept. 20th. His regiment took part in a successful attack, all the objectives being achieved, but shortly afterwards a bomb exploded in his trench, killing him and wounding several others. Deceased who was 29 years of age, at one time worked in the Hall gardens for four years, afterwards going to the Earl and Countess of Warwick. Later he was with Sir Peter Walker, and at the time of his enlistment was employed as a glass foreman to Earl Curzon at Basingstoke. In the same issue the following further article was published under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – DEATHS. GREGORY.- Killed in action (France), September 20th 1917, Private J. W. Gregory age 29, the eldest and dearly beloved son of Mr and Mrs W. Gregory, Gaddesby. Until the day dawns and shadows flee away. In the same issue the following further article was published under the heading. THANKS. Mr and Mrs Gregory and family and Miss Butler wish to thank all kind friends for their sympathy in their bereavement.