Herbert Harrison (1882–1931)

Gunner

Royal Field Artillery 72124 4th Coy

Herbert Harrison

Biography
Born in 1883, like brother Ernest he worked for the Butterley Company. In 1900 he married Maria Violet Taylor from Wirksworth. He attested on 3rd January 1915 at Derby, a collier aged thirty-two living at Market Place, Crich. Before being posted to France he was stationed at Corfe Castle.
He went to France in July 1915 where he was gassed (for which he received a 20% disability pension). In May 1918 he was admitted into Abbeville General Hospital seriously ill and the following December 1918 he was discharged, aged thirty-six, to the Army Reserve to work at South Wingfield Colliery. There is a note in his record which states that he was admitted to St George’s Hospital Hyde Park Corner, but there were no details or dates.

Herbert was involved with local football teams.

Photo courtesy Terry Daniels

Photo of Crich Town Football Club 1912

Back row: W. R. Clayton, S. Beresford, F. Dawes, S. Holmes, T. Bowmer, J. Bowmer, W. Smith, S. Bowmer, J. Buckley, J. Wetton

Middle: V. Bowmer, P.S. Smith, D.F. Hawkes (Chairman), J. Leafe (Captain), G.S. Housley (Hon.Sec), J. Bowmer, G. Bollington

Front: H. Harrison, F. H. Brumwell, J.C. Harshorne, H.Holmes

Medal Roll Index Card
Harrison, Herbert, RFA, 72124 Driver/Gunner
He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star medals.
Awarded the Silver War Badge.
Entered France 29/7/15

Silver War Badge
72124 Harrison Herbt. Clas 'W'A.R. Badge 02969. Enlisted 5/1/15; discharged 14/12/18, sickness, served overseas

Medal Card Index
He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15-Star Medals. He also received the Silver War Badge (List RA/4123)
A Driver and Gunner who entered France 29/7/15.

Silver War Badge
72124, Gunner Harrison, Herbert; Class 'W' A.R. ; Badge 02969; enlisted 5/1/15 discharged 14/12/18; sickness; served abroad.

Army Service Record
He attested 3 January 1915 at Derby, a collier aged 32 years 8 months living at Market Place, Crich. Religion was C of E. Three daughters Frances, Mary and Mabel of Foulds Yard Crich.Was posted to the Expeditionary Force France. Admitted to St George's Hospital Hyde Park Corner.
3/1/15 Enlisted
29/7/15 Entered France
9/5/18 Seriously ill Gen Hospital in Abbeville
1/12/18 Discharged aged 36
2/12/18 Transferred to the Army Reserve to work at South Wingfield Colliery. Letter sent to ask for confirmation that Herbert had started there.
6/12/18 Commenced work at South Wingfield Colliery
He was gassed and received 20% disability pension; 3/2 per week from 30/6/19 until 10/1/20 then 2/4 per week from 11/1/20 until 23/11/20. He had three daughters; the eldest born 10 January 1904, the youngest 4 January 1913.

Newspaper reports

Derbyshire Courier, 3 November 1917
Bombardier H. Harrison, Crich, Wounded

Derbyshire Advertiser, 20th February 1915
FOUR SONS WITH THE COLOURS
Crich figures amongst the list of Rural Parishes that has sent four sons from one family to serve with the colours. This proud distinction is claimed by Mr and Mrs Harrison of Roes Lane Crich who will have four sons in his Majesty's forces. Gunner Herbert Harrison is with the 4th Coy. Royal Field Artillery, at Swanage, Pte William Harrison another brother having been at the front since Sept. serving with the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters, the third son Gunner Ernest Harrison is station at Sheerness, being attached to the 22nd Coy Ravelin Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, whilst the youngest son Pte. Arthur Harrison is serving with the 5th Bttn. Sherwood Foresters, at present stationed at Hoddesdon, Herts.

Derbyshire Courier, 24 November 1917
CASUALTIES
Private Sidney Harrison one of the soldier sons of Mr and Mrs William Harrison of Roes Lane, Crich, is wounded and in hospital. Private Harrison wrote home from Boulogne Stationary Hospital stating that he was wounded in the right hand. He has had thirteen months in France. In his letter he says, "Be sure to send me the Courier" His brother Bombardier Herbert Harrison who was admitted to the St George's Hospital, London, about a month ago suffering from gas poisoning has now been moved to Wimbledon Hospital. He writes to say he is improving. His voice and sight which temporarily had left him are now gradually returning.
News reached Crich on Wednesday that Private Wilfred Thorpe, of Plaistow Hall, has been wounded in action in France.No further details were to hand.

Derbyshire Courier, 7 December 1918
CRICH, LEA, & HOLLOWAY
Crich soldiers recently discharged to resume employment at the coal mine include Hubert Harrison, Folds Yard, Albert Byard, Parkhead, and Percy Stanley, the Factory.

Derbyshire Times 19 July 1930
Mr Bert HARRISON, Roes Lane, Crich, is still confined to his bed. For nearly two years Mr HARRISON has been in very poor health, which, we understand is due to his service in the Great War.

Herbert Harrison's brothers Ernest Harrison, Arthur Harrison, Sydney Harrison and William Harrison are also on the Roll of Honour.

CENSUS INFORMATION

1891: Bownes Hill, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
William Harrison Head 34 Wire drawer Winster
Catherine Harrison wife 32   Crich
John Wm Harrison son 12   Crich
Mary Emma Harrison daughter 11   Crich
Herbert Harrison son 8   Crich
Fred Harrison son 6   Crich
Ernest Harrison son 5   Crich
William Harrison son 4   Crich
Annie Harrison daughter 2   Crich
Sarah Holmes sister in law (single) 30 Factory hand Crich

RG12 piece 2746 folio 70 page 34

1901: Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Herbert Harrison Head 18 Wire drawer Winster
Maria Harrison wife 21   Crich
William Harrison son 1 mo   Crich

RG13 piece 3231 folio 43 page 5

1911: Town End, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Herbert Harrison Head 28 Labourer on cinder banks iron foundery Crich
Maria Violet Harrison wife 32   Wirksworth
William Harrison son 10   Crich
Gertrude Ivy Harrison daughter 8   Belper Workhouse
Frances Annie Harrison daughter 5   Crich

RG14PN20984 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED13 SN195

1918 Voters List
Herbert Harrison, Folds Yard, absent on military service.