Harold Bexon

Harold was the eldest child of Benjamin Bexon and his wife Jane nee Harrold. Benjamin was born in Nottingham in 1870 (O/N/D Basford) and Jane on 8 November 1876. They were married in 1894 (O/N/D Basford) and had eight children of whom one died in childhood: Harold b. 1895 (A/M/J Basford, Horace b. 1896 (O/N/D Basford) d. 1902 (J/A/S Nottingham, buried 17 September 1902), Alfred b. 1898 (A/M/J Basford), Harry b. 1900 (A/M/J Basford), Elizabeth Elsie b. 25 February 1902, Frederick b. 1904 (O/N/D Nottingham), Gladys b. 5 October 1905 (O/N/D Nottingham), Phyllis b. 1907. All the children were born in Nottingham. In 1901 Benjamin (30), who was employed at a bleaching works, and Jane (24) were living at 36 Vernon Avenue, Basford, with their four sons, Harold (6), Horace (4), Alfred (2) and Harry (1). Horace died the following year (September 1902) aged 6 years. The family was still at the same address at the time of the 1911 Census. Benjamin and Jane's seven surviving children were in the home on the night of the census: Harold (16) a hosiery trimmer's labourer (bleaching works), Alfred, a draper's errand boy, Harry (11), Elizabeth (9), Frederick (6), Gladys (5) and Phyllis (3). His brother, Alfred, served in the 15th Bn Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire) Regiment (53354 Private) and died in Boulogne General Hospital of wounds received in action on 23 April 1918 (Cemetery: Boulogne Eastern Part). Alfred's mother completed a form for the Army on 16 August 1919 listing Alfred's surviving blood relatives. These were his parents, Benjamin and Jane Bexon, of 36 Vernon Avenue, Old Basford, and his brothers Harry (19) and Frederick (14) and sisters Elizabeth (17), Gladys (13) and Phyllis (12), all of whom were living with their parents. Harold's father died on 28 June 1932 aged 61. In 1939 at the time of the England & Wales Register, the widowed Jane Bexon was living in Nottingham with her unmarried daughters Elizabeth, an overlocker (silk hosiery), and Gladys, an upholsterer. Jane Bexon died on 6 February 1964 aged 87 and her eldest daughter, Elizabeth Elsie Bexon, died in 1986 (Oct Nottingham) aged 84. Gladys probably married in 1963 (Alfred H Picker)

In 1911 he was a hosiery trimmer's labourer at a bleaching works.

36 Vernon Road, Old Basford. He enlisted in Nottingham.

Harold was presumed killed in action on 21 March 1918. He was initially reported missing and his death may not have been confirmed until the following year. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.

Inscription on family gravestone, Basford cemetery: 'In loving memory of Benjamin Bexon died 28th June 1932 aged 61. Also his wife Jane died 6th February 1964 aged 87. Also Harold Alfred Bexon killed in France 1918. Horace Bexon age 8 and Elizabeth Elsie Bexon beloved daughter of Benjamin and Jane died 28th October 1986 aged 84. Rest in peace. In loving memory of Benjamin Bexon died 28th June 1932 aged 61. Also his wife Jane died 6th February 1964 aged 87. Also Harold & Alfred Bexon killed in France 1918 Horace Bexon age 6 and Elizabeth Elsie Bexon beloved daughter of Benjamin and Jane died 28th October 1986 aged 84. Rest in peace.' Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his mother, Jane, was his sole legatee. Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 21 March 1919: ‘Bexon. In ever-loving memory of Pte. Harold Bexon, 36 Vernon-avenue, 1/7th Sherwood Foresters, missing March 21st. 1918, since reported killed. Fond hopes still linger. Mother, father, brothers, and sisters, auntie Daisy, uncle Sam, and Arthur.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)