John Henry Harvey

CWGC - Son of Allen Harvey of 43 Oxford Street Highbury Vale, Bulwell, Nottm. He was the husband of Annie R. Harvey, (b. Annie J. Delima, Secunderabad, India) (CWGC). They married at Secunderabad on 27th February 1911) of Bhoiguda, Secunderabad, India 1891 census - Basford Workhouse - Harvey Mary, inmate, married 28, lace dresser, Bulwell; John Henry, son, 9, Bulwell; William, son, 2, Bulwell; 1901 census - 76 Oxford Street Bulwell, Nottm - Allen Harvey, head, 41; Mary, wife, 38; Nellie Marvin, step daughter, 20; John Henry, son, 19, carter; William, son, 10, Gertie Marvin, granddaughter, 8 months; 1911 census - Devon - William Harvey, 22, Private, 2nd battalion Sherwood Foresters; John Henry Harvey, Private, 29, single, born Nottingham:(CWGC age and the age he should have been do not match Census would make him 36) Registers of Soldiers' Effects - Harvey John Henry, 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby) attached 1st Oxs & Bucks LI, Died at sea on board H.S. Goohra (Hospital Ship) Brother Grantee - William £134-11s-5d of which £24-1-s-0d War Gratuity. Probate - Harvey John Henry of 43 Oxford Street Bulwell Nottingham, Private in H.M. Army, died 17 November 1918 at sea; Administration Nottingham 29 June 1920; William Harvey, boot repairer, effects £134-11s-5d

1901 - Carter 1904 - Soldier

9687 Private John Henry Harvey enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) around December 1904. After training he was posted to 1st Battalion in India. He married whilst in India. At the outbreak of war, it is unlikely he returned to England with 1st battalion. He is listed as attached to 1st battalion Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. This battalion were also in India and moved to Mesopotamia. John Henry has a date of 25 August 1915 as entry into theatre. In late 1915 Major General Townsend commanding the forces order a retreat to Kut al-Amara, despite not being defeated in battle. They had a hundred mile march and then entrenched itself in a loop of the Tigris to await support. They had supplies for two months which Townsend thought ample. The Turks encircled the British and waited. Four attempts were made to breakthrough by reinforcements but all failed. Kut was completely cut off and on 29 April 1916, Townsend surrendered and 10,000 men went into captivity. The conditions for the ordinary soldier were harsh and 4,000 would die in enemy hands. John Henry survived the harsh treatment only to die on the Hospital Ship Goohra on 17 November 1918. He was buried at sea and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial panel 27;

John Henry Harvey was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal which was in the London Gazette 12 December 1917. It is likely for his actions at Kut during the siege. It is also likely he was mentioned in dispatches 13/7/1916. Soldiers Died in the Great War - Harvey John Henry, born Bulwell, enlisted Nottingham, abode Bulwell Nottingham, 9687, private, died at sea, 17/11/18, DCM. In 1921 his widow was still living in India