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John was the eldest of John and Elizabeth Gumbrell's twelve children. John Snr was a carpenter and had enlisted in the Bedfordshire Regiment in 1883, having already served with the 3rd Surrey Volunteers. He served in India, Ireland and at home and was discharged in 1895 after 12 years' service. After the army he settled in Beckenham but by October 1909 he, Elizabeth and their youngest three children were in the Bromley Workhouse. John and Elizabeth moved to 22 Addison Road, Bromley in January 1911 where John became a mat maker.
In 1903 John jnr enlisted with the Essex Regiment when living in Walthamstow with his parents. On 9th December 1907 he married Jane Annie Stewart. At this time John was working for the Micanite & Insulators Co. Ltd in Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow. Sometime between 1911 and enlisting in the Bedfordshire Regiment John also worked for Great Eastern Railways and is remembered on their memorial at Liverpool Street Station.
From the Bedfordshire Regiment war diaries
11 Nov 1914 Enemy broke through Fusiliers line about 200 yds from our left. In attack on our line about 5 killed & 17 wounded. Line partially restored by counter attack on our left.
12-13 Nov 1914 Fairly quiet in Bedfordshire front, except for heavy shelling which affected other Battns more than us. Our casualties about 5 men from rifle fire. Battn ordered to prepare new line of front, as withdrawal possible owing to situation on our left.
14 Nov 1914 In consequence of enemy having broken through line to left of Battn Bedfords & Cheshires ordered to withdraw front line to new position about 300 yards in rear, about 4 pm. Germans enfiladed & drove back part of Cheshire Regt advanced trench on right of small advanced trench held by Bedfords leaving our right 'in the air'. In subsequent hand to hand fighting in advanced trench, Lt Pope & about 10 men missing, believed to be captured; about 11 men killed & wounded. Hard to see exactly what happened as it was getting dark.
15-18 Nov 1914 Fairly quiet. Usual bursts of rifle fire at intervals, & constant intermittent shelling only mild attacks at various parts of line. 3 killed 7 wounded. Shells usually over front trenches & slightly to left of supports.
John died on 15th November 1914. His son John was killed during WW2.
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