Harold Renshaw

Harold was the son of Samuel and Ann Renshaw (nee Warsop). His father Samuel was born in Mansfield in 1869 (A/M/J), the son of Henry and Ann Renshaw. The family was living at West Gate, Thompson's Alley, Mansfield, in 1871; Henry was a small ware dealer. By 1891 Henry and Ann were living in Bells Yard, Mansfield. Henry was a general dealer and Samuel (21) a rag merchant along with two of his brothers while three of their sisters were shop assistants, probably all working with their father. His mother Ann Warsop was born in Mansfield in 1872, the daughter of John and Emma Warsop. She was baptised on 1 June 1873 at Mansfield St John the Evangelist; her parents lived at The Lawns, Mansfield. In 1881 John, an iron moulder, and Emma were living at 31 Union Street, Mansfield, with their five children including Ann (9). Samuel Renshaw and Ann Warsop were married at the Mansfield Wesleyan Chapel in 1894 (J/A/S). They had at least four chlldren, all born in Mansfield: Harold b. abt 1894, Samuel b. 1897 (J/A/S), Edward Baden b. 1900 and Thomas Alfred birth registered 1902 (J/F/M). There was probably also a daughter, Florence Annie b. 1895 (J/A/S Mansfield, mother's maiden name Warsop) who died in 1895 (J/A/S). In 1901 Samuel, a dealer, and Ann were living at 7 West Gate, Thompson Alley, Mansfield, with their three sons Harold (6), Samuel (4) and Edward (11 months) and Samuel's nephew John H Renshaw (15). The youngest son Thomas was born the following year. Samuel snr. died in Mansfield on 25 May 1903 aged 34 and was buried in Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery. The probate record gave his address as Rosemary Lane, Mansfield. According to a newspaper report of Samuel junior's death in 1918 Ann Renshaw and Samuel emigrated to Freemantle, Western Australia, in about 1909. . Ann has not yet been traced on a passenger list, but Samuel, Edward and Thomas (all under 12 years) were onboard SS Orient departing London 23 July 1909 for Fremantle, Western Australia, in the company of Mrs A Heath ('domestic'), corporate ticket number 79. Ann died in Freemantle on 8 March 1914 age 41. Harold was recorded living with his maternal grandparents, John and Emma Warsop, at 31 Union Street, Mansfield, in 1911. Harold (17), surname Warsop on the census, was working as an assistant in a bottling stores (beer and stout). Harold enlisted in the South African Infantry and his younger brother Samuel in the Australian Infantry. Samuel died in England on 13 May 1918 of wounds received in action and was buried in Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery. Edward Baden returned to the UK and there is a record of his marriage to Ethel Hemsley in 1927 (reg. Mansfield). They were living in Mansfield when the 1939 England & Wales Register was compiled.

In 1911 he was an assistant in a bottling stores (beer and stout).

Private Harold Renshaw, served with the 2nd South African Infantry Regiment. Harold was killed in action in the area of Delville Wood on 17th July 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 4 C).

His brother, Lance Sergeant Samuel Renshaw, 12th Battalion Australian Infantry, died at the King George Hospital on 13 May 1918 from wounds received on 8 May 1918. He was buried in Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery. Inscription family headstone, Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery: 'In loving memory of Samuel Renshaw who died May 25th 1903 aged 34 years. Rest in Peace. Also Annie wife of the above who died at Freemantle March 8th 1914 aged 41 years. Also Harold son of the above killed in action in France July 17th 1916 aged 22 years. Also Samuel son of the above, died of wounds May 13th 1918 aged 20 years. God is our shield'. Probate: Renshaw Samuel of Rosemary-lane Mansfield general-dealer died 25 May 1903 Administration (with Will) Nottingham 24 November to Annie (sic) Renshaw widow. Effects £149 16s. 2d. Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Harold's three brothers, Samuel (3rd Australian Infantry Bde), Edward B. and Thomas A. were his legatees. Additional payments were made in December 1919 to his two surviving brothers Edward and Thomas. WW1 Pension Ledgers: His grandmother, Emma Warsop, was named as his next of kin.