Harry Wilson

Harry was the son of William and Ann Wilson. née Armstrong His father was born in Nottingham in 1854 and his mother was born in 1855, also in Nottingham. According to the 1911 Census, William and Annie had had 15 children born alive of whom 14 were still living at the time of the census. Fourteen children were named on the earlier census 1891-1901 (see below): Rose, Lucy/Louise, Maria, William, Elizabeth, Henry/Harry (b. 1882), Thomas, Priscilla, Arthur (b. 1888), Grace (b. 1891), John (b. 1893), Alice (b 1895), Robert (b. 1896) and Emma (b. 1898). All the children were born in Nottingham. 1881 Census: 13 Snow(?) Hill, Nottingham, in the ecclesiastical parish of St Paul’s. William Wilson (28) framework knitter, Ann Wilson (29), Rose (9), Lucy (7), Maria Wilson (5), William (3), Elizabeth (1), Henry (10 days). 1891 Census: 9 Silverwood Place, Nottingham in the ecclesiastical parish of St Mary. William Wilson (37) framework knitter, Ann Wilson (38), Louise (16) who was in work, Maria (14) errand girl, William (12), Elizabeth (11), Henry (10), Thomas (7), Priscilla (6), Arthur (2) and Grace (2 months). 1901 Census: 1 Front Row, Nottingham. William Wilson (48) hosiery framework knitter, Ann Wilson (46), William(23) assistant (?), Elizabeth (21) cotton (?), Harry (20) (?) worker, Thomas (19) general labourer, Priscilla (17) cotton (?), Arthur (12), Grace (11), John (8), Alice (6), Robert (5), Emma (3). By the time of the 1911 Census the family was living at 52 Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton, Nottingham. William was a 'circular hand'. Seven of William and Ann's children were in the home on the night of the census; Harry (29) a railway porter, Arthur (22) a railway stableman, Grace (20) a cotton winder, John (18) a lace van man, Alice (16) an errand girl, Robert (15) an errand boy, and Emma (13) who was still at school. Harry's brothers Arthur and Robert also died in the war. Arthur served in the Lincolnshire Regiment (10675 Private) and was killed in action on 3 November 1916, and Robert (71608 Serjeant) 2nd Bn Sherwood Foresters, was killed on 1 July 1917 age 22; his death was not confirmed until the following year (Loos Memorial). Their brother Jack [John] also served and according to the notice of Robert's death in March 1918 he was serving in Egypt. Their parents were still living at 52 Upper Eldon Street when the notice of Robert's death was inserted in the local paper in March 1918.

In 1911 he was a railway porter.

52, Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton Road, Nottingham.

Private Harry Wilson (served as Armstrong his mothers maiden name) served with the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment, he was killed in action on 1st November 1914 in the Ypres Salient. His body was never recovered, but his name was commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres..

Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 22 November 1916: 'Wilson. Killed in action November 3rd 1916, Private Arthur Wilson. Also brother Harry Wilson, killed November 1st 1914. Brother Bill, sister Maria. Son of Mr and Mrs W Wilson, 52 Upper Eldon Street, Sneinton, age (-) years. Fifteen years with the GNR. Mother, father, sisters, brothers Bill [William], Tom, Jack [John] and Bob [Robert].' Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 27 March 1918: ‘Wilson. Reported missing July 1st 1917, now reported killed. Sergeant R Wilson (Bob) Sherwood Foresters age 22. Son of Mr and Mrs Wilson, 52 Upper Eldon Street. Father, mother, sisters, brothers. Jack in Egypt.’