Military History

Harry is listed as being killed in action on 10th October 1914. The 1st Battalion war diary entries for the period 9th to 11th October are transcribed below.

Mansell Camp - 9 Oct 1916: Cold morning. Battalion moved off by Coys at 6.30am to Guillemont and halted there for dinner and tea. At 4.20pm Coys marched off by Platoons at 100 yard intervals in following order C, D, A & B.

Battalion took over line E of Les Boeufs from London Rifle Brigade, C & D in front line, A in support & B Coy in reserve. Relief completed at 10pm. The French on our right and the 1^st R Irish Fus on our left. 2^nd Dublin Fus & 2^nd Seaforth Highldrs in Support.

Fairly quiet night, our artillery very active all night. 2/Lt A G Lovelace Taylor killed.

Trenches Les Boeufs – 10 Oct 1916: Fine day. Enemy artillery active from 6 to 8pm. Our artillery very active all day. Enemy sniping and M Guns normal.

Dark night. Enemy artillery active from 10 to 11.30pm.

Trenches Les Boeufs – 11 Oct 1916: Fine day. Our artillery bombarded from 7am until 4pm. From 3.30pm an intense bombardment took place and was very successful. Enemy retaliated on our front line causing 12 casualties and fair amount of damage.

2 German prisoners gave themselves up at 12noon & sent to Brigade. Our artillery active all night.

Casualties 9^th to 11^th – Killed 5 Officers & 60 other ranks; Wounded 1 Officer and 158 other ranks; Missing 34 other ranks.