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South Warwickshire Family History Society War Memorial Transcription Project

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The Fallen Men of South Warwickshire - World War One


Sergeant 3360 Harry John GASCOYNE DCM - 1st Battalion, Coldstream Guards

Killed in action on Monday 1st January 1917 aged 35

Military History
     
Theatre of War Campaign Medals Commonwealth War Grave or Memorial
France & Flanders 1914-15 Star, British War & Victory Medals Sailly-Saillisel British Cemetery
     
Arrived in Theatre Bravery, Conduct & Other Campaign Medals SWFHS Area Memorials
24 Feb 1915 in France Distinguished Conduct Medal (Gazette) Leamington Spa War Memorial
  King's South Africa Medal Leamington St. John's Memorial
Action, Battle or Other Reason Died    
Operations on the Ancre  Date and Place Enlisted  
  22 Feb 1900 in Warwick   
Place of Death   Other War Memorials
Sailly-Saillisel Date Mobilised ~
  5 Aug 1914 in Aldershot  

Distinguished Service Medal Citation

For conspicuous gallantry throughout the campaign in continally volunteering for dangerous patrol work, and bringing in valuable information. [as L/Corporal]

Military Service History

  • 22 Feb 1900 - Enlisted in Warwick
  • 15 Apr 1902 - Posted to South Africa (till 4 Oct 1902)
  • 22 Feb 1908 - Retired to Army Reserve after serving 8 year contract
  • 21 Feb 1912 - Time in Army Reserve expired

Circumstances of Death

Harry is listed as being killed in action on 1st January 1917. The 1st Battalion war diary entries for the 31st December to 2nd January are transcribed below along with a newspaper obituary.

War Diary 31 Dec 16 to 02 Jan 17

Maltzhorn – 31 Dec 1916: Coys paraded at 4pm & marched up to Combles area and were distributed as follows: No 1 Coy T.18 Central; No 2 Coy Haie Wood; Nos 3 & Coy’s in Combles trenches.

Combles – 1 Jan 1917: Nos 2 & 3 Coys went on carrying fatigue to Saillisel Chateau during the morning. Relieved 3rd Bn Coldstream Guards in the line. Relief compete 8.10pm. No 2 Coy right front, No 1 Coy left front, No 3 Coy support & No 4 Coy reserve.

Lt F.L.V. Fildes proceeded on Coy Commanders Course. 2/Lt H.S. Morris went on L.G. [Lewis Gun] course.

Sailley-Saillesel trenches – 2 Jan 1917: Having otherwise quiet day except that the Reserve line was shelled and in retaliation being asked for our guns put up an excellent barrage which effectively stopped enemy shelling.

Newspaper Obituary

We regret to learn that Sergt. Henry John Gascoyne Coldstream Guards, was killed by a sniper whilst serving on the Western front on New Year's Day. The deceased was an old soldier, and joined the Guildford Borough Police Force on February 22nd, 1907. He was very popular with all the members of the force, and had many friends in the town.

On the outbreak of war he was called up on the reserve, and drafted to France with his battalion. Early last year he was promoted sergeant and awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry in the field.

The sad news was received by his wife, who resides at 126, Walnut Tree Close, on Thursday, and was confirmed in a letter received yesterday (Friday) morning from P.C. Goodwin, who is also serving in France. Mrs. Gascoyne has been ill for over a week, and much sympathy will be extended to her in her bereavement.

Surrey Times and County Express - Sat, Jan 13, 1917
 
 Personal & Family History

 

Birth Date/Place Baptism Date/Place
Jan Qtr 1883 in Leamington Spa 18 Feb 1883 at Leamington Spa, All Saints
   
Parents Names Abode
John Henry and Annie Elizabeth Gascoyne  76 Lower Tachbrook Street, Leamington  
   
Wife and Marriage Details Abode
Nellie Elsie Gascoyne nee  Lord Nelson, Old Windsor, Berks
10 Nov 1908 at Guildford Holy Trinity  
   
Schools Colleges
  ~
   
Address History Employment History
1883 - Gresham Street, Leamington Spa  1891 - Scholar 
1891 - 50 Ranelagh Terrace, Leamington Spa 1900 - Carpenter
1901 - 50 Ranelagh Terrace, Leamington Spa 1901 - Soldier in Coldstream Guards
1902 - South Africa with Coldstream Guards 1908 - Police Constable in Guildford Borough
1908 - Holy Trinity Parish, Guildford 1911 - Police Constable in Guildford Borough 
1911 - Borough Police Station, Guildford 1914 - Police Constable in Guildford Borough 
1917 - 126 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford  

 

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