Alfred Gledhill was born at Keighley, Yorkshire on 13 September 1889, the son of Alfred Gledhill and Eleanor (Nellie) Brazendale. On leaving school he joined the Merchant Marine, and he was indentured as an apprentice for three years on 30 April 1906. On 16 July 1914 he was Fourth Mate on the SS AFRIC of the Oceanic Steam Ship Company.

He was appointed Temporary Sub Lieutenant, RNR on 25 January 1915 and served in the Armed Merchant Cruisers MANTUA and CHANGUINOLA between 23 March 1915 and 4 November 1915. He was promoted to Acting Lieutenant, RNR on 26 July 1915.

He was appointed to HMS E6 as Navigating Officer on 5 November 1915. E6 was lost with all hands after hitting a mine off Harwich on 26 December 1915.

Alfred Gledhill is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial on Panel No. 9.