Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Charles Glover, a family grocer and shopkeeper, born 1860 in Theddingworth, Leicestershire and his wife Mary Glover (nee Smeeton, married on the 24th August 1891 in the Baptist Chapel, Clipston, Northamptonshire), born 1861 in Clipston, Northamptonshire. Francis Smeeton was born in the 3rd quarter of 1892 in Somerby, Leicestershire, his siblings were, Mary Caroline, born 1893, Florence Annie, born 1895 and Eva Kathleen V., born 1897, all his siblings were born in Somerby, in March 1901 the family home was in High Street, Somerby. In April 1911 Francis was absent from the family home at Somerby, residing there was his father, a grocer, his mother and siblings, Mary and Muriel Edith, born 1904 in Somerby. Francis was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 24-30 Sep-16 - East of TRONES WOOD. About 7.00pm on the 24th the Battalion marched up to take a position prior to making an attack the next day. Before they reached the position the enemy heavily shelled our men, several casualties resulting. At 12.30pm on the 25th the first attack was launched, the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT being in a position on the right of FLERS. The objective was the first German line, a distance of about 1000 yards from the trench from which the Battalion launched the attack. The attack was made in waves, each platoon forming a wave, and 2 waves going over at a time. The attack was launched with splendid heroism, the first objective was gained in about ¾ of an hour, the men then stopped a short time to consolidate their gain, and to allow the artillery barrage to lift. They then pressed on to their second objective which was the village of GUEDECOURT. By the time they reached the village their ranks were sadly thinner, by the tremendous artillery barrage the enemy put up, and by machine guns which wrought terrible havoc. Never the less with dauntless gallantry they pressed on reaching the village and engaging the enemy in hand to hand fighting, which took place all the night. In the morning the 7th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT relieved the 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT in the village, and the enemy were finally driven out. The 8th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT were brought back to the second line of trenches, where they were relieved by the 6th LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT on the 28th. They then went back to SWISS TRENCH where they remained until relieved on the night of October 1st.
On Friday November 3rd 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” – SOMERBY. – MEMORIAL SERVICE. - A memorial service was held at the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday evening to the memory of Private Francis Smeeton Glover, only son of Mrs. Charles and Mrs. Mary Glover, of this village, who was killed in action on Sept., 25th. The officiating minister was the Rev. W. O. Barratt of Oakham. The service was fully choral, Mrs. Gibson rendered the solo “Oh rest in the Lord.” Miss A. Meadows presided at the organ. Numerous representatives of the surrounding villages were included in the congregation, which reached such dimensions it was impossible for all to gain admission. The preacher took his text from St. John XV. 13. “Greater love hath no man than this.” A most impressive address was given. Deceased who was a scholar in the Sunday School, and in later years a member of the Chapel, was held in high esteem by his fellow worshippers. From the pulpit hung a beautiful wreath bearing the inscription “In loving memory of a faithful scholar. From teachers and scholars of the Sunday School. The V.T.C. was represented by Sergt. Hayes and twelve men. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents in their sad loss.