A military funeral for Glossop soldier Private Josh Kennington will take place on Thursday 15 December. 

The 18-year-old will be laid to rest at Glossop Cemetery following a funeral service at Dinting Church at 12.30pm. The funeral will include standard bearers, a guard of honour and rifle salute.  

It will be family flowers only with donations to Help for Heroes. The charity was very important to Josh, who used his 18th birthday in February as a fund raiser. 

High Peak Borough Council has arranged for the Union Flag to be flown at half mast in Norfolk Square on the day of Josh’s funeral as a mark of respect from the council, Josh’s hometown of Glossop and the people of High Peak. 

HPBC deputy leader Cllr Damien Greenhalgh added: “On behalf of High Peak Borough Council and all councillors in Glossop, I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Private Josh Kennington.” 

Josh died in hospital in Darlington on 24 November, six days after collapsing following a routine training exercise. 

His commanding officers have been paying tribute. 

Major Tony Morgan – Officer Commanding 35 Squadron, 5 Medical Regiment – said Josh was a young and popular member of 35 Medical Squadron. 

And that although he had only been with the Squadron for a short time, his good humour and likeable nature made him an instant hit.  

She said: “A spirited individual, always willing to do what was needed, Private Kennington was an excellent soldier and a proud RLC Driver, the epitome of our most talented younger generation. 

“His death is a sad loss, at such a young age and at the beginning of a bright military career ahead of him.”      

Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Masling – Commanding Officer, 5 Medical Regiment said: “Pte Josh Kennington was a superb soldier with ability beyond his years and a bright future before him. 

“He was a true professional, determined to do well whatever the task, and keen to take advantage of everything which the Army has to offer.  

“Known to all, and a good friend to many, Pte Kennington was a genuine, kind, and decent person.  He made our team stronger. His sudden passing is felt deeply within our Regiment, especially by those whom he directly served alongside.” 

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