Henry Simpson

He was also known as Harry. Henry was born abt. 1898, the son of John Henry and Charlotte Simpson who had eight children: Samuel, Arthur, Lettie, Edith, Benjamin, John (Jonathan), Harry and Doris. All the children were born in Mansfield but their father was born in Leicester and their mother in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. In 1891 John (25) was a shoe/factory hand, and he and Charlotte (22) with their one-year old son, Samuel (1) were living at 38 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield. Also in the household were Samuel (23, b. Birmingham, shoe/factory hand) and Elizabeth (20, b. Tickhill) who were described as lodgers. John and Charlotte and their seven children; Samuel, Arthur, Lettie, Edith, Benjamin, John and Harry, were living at 62 Ratcliffe Gate by 1901. Also in the household was a boarder, Annie Redfern (16), who worked in a cotton mill. By 1911 John, now described as a boot maker, and Charlotte had moved to 103 Ratcliffe Gate where they were living with their eight children; Samuel (21, coal miner/hewer), Arthur (20, hairdresser), Letty (18, hairdresser), Edith (19, cotton spinner), Benjamin (15, coal miner), John (14, colliery labourer), Harry (12, school) and Doris (4). Correspondence on Henry's service record shows that the family later lived at 101 Ratcliffe Gate. A form was completed for the army in June 1919 giving the names of Henry's surviving blood relatives. The form was probably completed on the family's behalf by the person who witnessed the form, RevJames Birch, Church Army Minister of St Peter's Mission, Mansfield, as Charlotte's name is given as the person providing the information but she has signed with 'her mark' Henry's blood relatives were named as: Father and mother: John and Charlotte Simpson, 101 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield Brothers: Samuel (29), 2 Frederick Street, Mansfield; Arthur (28), 116 Broxtowe Drive, Mansfield; Benjamin, 4 Laurel Avenue, Mansfield; John (22), 101 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield Sisters: Letty Allen (26), 123 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield; Edith Sansom (25), 2 Frederick Street, Mansfield; Doris Simpson (12) 101 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield The names of four nephews and nieces were crossed out on the form. Henry's mother, Charlotte, died on 27 February 1933 aged 62 and his father, John, died on 12 November 1934 age 68.

He was a cotton patent hand when he joined the army in 1916.

101 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield

Henry attested on 29 August 1916 when he was 18yrs 4m. Home 29 August 1916-29 August 1916 (1 day), Reserve 30 August 1916-30 January 1917 (185 days), Home 31 January 1917-11 October 1917 (254 days), France 12 October 1917-27 December 1917 (77 days). Total: 1 year 152 days He embarked at Folkestone for France, disembarking at Boulogne on 11 October 1917. He transferred to the 5th West Ridings on his arrival in France. He died of wounds only a few months later and is buried in Perth Cemetery (China Wall) (grave ref. Garter Point Cemetery. Mem. 33) He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Inscription on family gravestone, Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery: 'In loving memory of Charlotte beloved wife of John Simpson who entered intro rest Feb. 27th 1933 aged 62 years. Worthy of everlasting remembrance. Also John beloved husband of the above who entered into rest Nov. 12th 1934 aged 68 years. Reunited. Also Harry beloved son of the above who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War Dec. 29th 1917 aged 19 years.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Henry's mother, Charlotte, was his sole legatee. From Henry's service documents: Letter dated Sept 4/19, from J Simpson, 101 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield, to Officer in Charge of records. Dear Sir, As I am desirous of visiting the grave of my son, the late L/Cpl H Simpson (no0 26623 of the West Riding Regt, officially reported buried in the vicinity of Garter Point, 4 miles East North East of Ypres, I shall be very grateful if you can tell me whether or not the grave has been registered & if so the number. Trusting you will be able to give me the required information & grateful for any other that will enable me to find his grave. Yours truly, J Simpson.’ Note on letter reads: ‘Replied. No particulars of number received, received to Secretary, Cemetery (-) Depot Inf. War Graves Commission Manchester (-) St James’s Square. From Henry's service documents: Letter dated 18 May 1918 From Colonel OIC No2. Infantry Records York to Mrs Charlotte Simpson, 101 Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield. Return of private property of L/Cpl Henry Simpson: purse, coins value 2d., diary, fountain pen, metal pencil holder, wallet, photos, cards (letter). Probate: Simpson John of 101 Ratcliffe Gate Mansfield Nottinghamshire died 12 November 1934 Probate Nottingham 6 December to Arthur Simpson Hairdresser. Effects £1231 11d. 2d.