Military History

Harry is listed as being killed in action on 10th May 1916. The 11th Battalion war diary entries for the period 9th to 11th May are transcribed below and it appears that Harry was killed in a brief skirmish between opposing patrols.

Hannescamp – 09 May 1916: A hostile patrol about 30 strong was seen at about 8pm proceeding from the hostile trenches to the Osedale. Artillery and Lewis Gun were opened by us. Nothing further was seen of the enemy.

The situation was very quiet during the early morning & forenoon.

Between 12.45 & 1pm about 40 T.M. bombs fell about T.68 and Collingbourne Ave at a range of about 800 yards. Our field guns retaliated effectively.

Weather mild and wet. Wind W by S

Hannescamp – 10 May 1916: Sgt de St. Croix and Pte Brandish were in observation in front of our line for nearly 18 hours on the 9^th inst. Owing to unfavourable weather observation was difficult, but some useful information was obtained.

More that usual activity on part of hostile artillery 36 [x] 4.2 shells falling about right company point. No damage, majority of shells failed to burst. 40 T.M. bombs again on T68 and Collingbourne Ave.

A patrol consisting of Capt E.J. Routh, 2^nd Lt Stalker, 2^nd Lt Jenkins and 52 other ranks encountered an equally strong hostile patrol in the ravine. A brisk action ensued in which our patrol inflicted about 10 casualties among the enemy killed and 10 wounded. We had 9 wounded (1 only seriously) and 1 missing (killed) [Harry?]. A dead German was brought in. Our artillery assisted on giving signals. A full report of the affair was sent in to HQ.

Otherwise situation quiet, wind fresh and from the West.

Hannescamp – 11 May 1916: Hostile 4.2 shells fell about our front line trenches at intervals during the forenoon and between 7pm and 9pm. At 2am an intense bombardment could be heard about 12 miles south of us.

At 7pm Hannecamps received about 6 x 4.2 shells. No damage was caused. Machine guns have been more active of late. Our artillery retaliated effectively to the hostile shelling.

Weather fine, wind nil.

On the 10^th inst Lt Col W.A.L. Fletcher 2/6 Bn Liverpool Regt became attached to the Bn for a period of 3 days. A working party of 50 men 6^th Bedford Regt reports daily for work (commencing 9^th inst). They are constructing Grenade Stores under the direction of Lt Gross B.O.