Harold Wright

Harold was the son of Dan and Emma Wright nee Pollard. Dan (also Daniel) was born in 1865 (J/A/S Bingham) and Emma was born in Shepshed, Leicestershire. They were married in 1888 (A/M/J Nottingham) and had seven children: Annie b. 1889 (A/M/J Nottingham), Thomas Henry b. 1890 (O/N/D Nottingham), William Arthur birth registered 1893 J/F/M Nottingham, Leonard birth registered 1895 J/F/M Nottingham, Harold b. 1896/1897, Lilian Emma birth registered 1899 J/F/M Nottingham and Sarah Ann b. 1901 (A/M/J Nottingham). In 1891 Dan (25), who was working as a furniture collector, and Emma (27) were living at 1 Welland Terrace, Sneinton, with their two children Annie (1) and Henry (4 months). By 1901 they were living at 1 Pegg Street, Meadows. Dan was now working as a drayman. He and Emma now had six children: Annie (1), Henry (10), William (8), Leonard (6), Harold (5) and Lilian (2). Their youngest child, Sarah, was born later the same year. The family was living at 22 Clyde Street, Wilford Road, Meadows, in 1911. Dan was still working as a drayman and his five oldest children were in work; Annie (21) was a machinist (blouse hand), Henry (20) a storeman (meat stores), William (18) a warehouseman, Leonard (16) a fitter's apprentice and Harold (14) an errand boy. The two youngest children, Lily (12) and Sarah (9) were still at school Dan died on 21 February 1916 at the age of 50. His widow Emma continued to live at 22 Clyde Street as this address is given in the post-war CWGC record. Emma died on 9 July 1942 at the age of 79. Harold was engaged to Connie at the time of his death in September 1918. Of Harold's siblings: Henry Thomas probably died on 12 September 1954 aged 63. The probate record gives his home address as 48 Victoria Road, Sherwood. Probate was awarded to his widow, Harriett Wright, and Hilda Lilian Fell (wife of Joseph Fell). William Arthur probably married Elsie A Thexford in 1914 (O/N/D Nottingham). He died on 24 April 1956 and the probate record gives his address as 63 Charlbury Road, Radford. Administration of his will was awarded to Peter Edward Wright.

In 1911 he was an errand boy.

He enlisted in Nottingham and was probably still living in the family home at 22 Clyde Street, Meadows.

Attached 139th Trench Mortar Battery. He is buried in Bellicourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France (grave ref: l.J.10).

CWGC record and the inscription on the family grave give Harold's age as 21 but the notices of his death in the local paper give his age as 22. Personal inscription on CWGC headstone: For ever with the Lord' Inscription on family gravestone, Nottingham General Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of Dan Wright, the beloved husband of Emma Wright, who died Feby. 21st 1916, aged 50 years. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Pte Harold Wright, 1/5th Sherwood Foresters. Dearly loved son of the above, killed in France, Sept. 21st 1918, aged 21 years. He died for freedom and honour. Also the above Emma Wright, died July 9th 1942, aged 79 years. The Lord is my shepherd. Also of Thomas Pollard beloved father of the above Emma Wright, who died July 9th 1934, aged (-)7 years.’ Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 17 October 1918: ‘Wright. Killed in action Sept. 21st, 1918, Pte H Wright, Sherwood Foresters, aged 22 (sic), dearly loved youngest son of Mrs Wright and the late Mr Dan Wright, 22 Clyde-street, Wilford-road. Sadly missed by mother, brothers, and sisters.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 17 October 1918: ‘Wright. Killed in action Sept. 21st, 1918, aged 22 (sic), Pte Harold Wright, Sherwood Foresters. The Lord will bind the broken chain closer when we meet again. From his sorrowing fiancée Connie.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)