Tributes have been paid to a much-loved young soldier from Glossop who died six days after collapsing following a routine training exercise. 

Josh Kennington, 18, who was serving with the Royal Logistics Corps based at the Catterick Garrison, died last Thursday (24 November), despite the best efforts of medical staff at the barracks and at Darlington Memorial Hospital.  

Dad Simon said Josh, a driver in the logistics corps assigned to the medical corps, was with his colleagues on 18 November following the exercise when the previously fit and healthy teenager suddenly collapsed. 

“When he hit the ground, he was surrounded by medics. As he fell, he didn’t even put his arms out to break his fall he just dropped, and they tried to revive him,” explained Simon. 

Josh’s colleagues managed to get his heart started again and he was rushed to hospital in Darlington where he was treated in the ICU.  

But following scans taken after medical staff were unable to bring Josh out from his coma, the family were told he wasn’t going to make it. His condition continued to deteriorate, and Josh passed away peacefully on Thursday morning. 

Mum Debbie said: “He was so kind always putting other people first - always looking out for his mates.” 

Josh in his Army uniform

His final act of kindness was to be an organ donor and the family hope that in true Josh style he’s gone on to make a difference in other people’s lives. They said: “His humour, love, and compassion will be missed by so many people.” 

Born and brought up in Glossop, he attended St James Primary and Glossopdale School and had always wanted to join the army and aged 12 became an army cadet. 

Simon said: “He was totally focused on joining the army from being 12. I have absolutely no idea what else he would have done.” 

One of his brother’s Tom said: “He didn’t want to do anything else.” 

Although there was no history of military service in the family both Josh and his cousin Nathan Williams, who joined 12 months earlier than Josh, both wanted to serve. 

Josh was level-headed, ambitious, and keen to learn new skills as he looked to progress in the army and move up the ranks.  

His family said he lived every moment to the maximum and was always a bit of daredevil who was up for anything and had no fear. 

Joining the army in October 2020, Josh was first stationed at Harrogate before going on to Leconfield in September 2021 to carry out his driver training and then to Catterick in February. 

Numerous tributes have been posted online about the popular youngster by friends, former classmates and teachers. 

They have been sharing fond memories of a kind-hearted lovely young man, making it clear that he will be much missed by all who knew him. 

Josh was serving with the Royal Logistics Corps based at the Catterick Garrison

Family appreciates the support shown 

Simon and Debbie are very grateful for all the support they have received from family and friends particularly from sons Tom and Jake and their partners Courtney and Katie, as well as Debbie’s brother John and wife Ali Williams. 

They have praised the hospital staff not just for their care for Josh but the way they looked after the whole family during an incredibly difficult time. 

The emotional and practical support provided by Josh’s wider army family has also been greatly appreciated.  

Josh was remembered a special memorial service conducted by Padre Ian Fowler at Catterick Garrison on Friday. 

A full military funeral with standard bearers, guard of honour and rifle salute will take place in Glossop.  

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. 

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