Harry Ingham Freeman

Harry was born in 1887 in Old Basford, Nottingham and was the son of Harriett Freeman and the brother of Horace Freeman of 7 Southwark Street, Old Basford, Nottingham, his father was John Albert Freeman who had died in 1902. In the 1891 census Harriet who is shown as head of the family is living at 61 Cheltenham Street, Basford, with her sons Harry 4 years and Harold 2 years of age. By the 1901 census Harriett and Harold are living at 10 Heighington Green, Old Basford but Harry is not at the address on the night of the census. By the time of the 1911 census Harry has left home and is in the army, serving in India with 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) shown as Harry Freeman, private, 20, single, born Basford Nottingham

Basford Nottingham

9850 Private Harry Ingham Freeman enlisted in Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) during May 1905 and after training was posted to 1st battalion in India. It is likely that when war broke out he was a reservist and was called up, serving with the 2nd battalion. On 9 August 1915 the 2nd battalion took part in the 'Action at Hooge'. At 3.30 am the battalion moved from Sanctuary Wood towards the trenches to the right of Hooge and by 3.45 the Durham Light Infantry had taken their objective and just after that 'B' Company 2nd battalion, advised that they had gained touch with the right of the assaulting line. Their main objective was to guard against a German counter attack in this area by holding and wiring the line. By 5 am the German artillery fired furiously and the Forester trenches were being wrecked causing many casualties. Also at this time, the battalion had to reinforce the Durhams at Hooge Crater. By midday men held the line in small groups wherever they could find cover, communication was difficult and the enemy continued its heavy shelling. Runners performed heroics in getting messages through. By the afternoon reinforcements could not be sent owing to the German artillery fire. At around 9.30 pm, the battalion was relieved and moved to dug-outs in the ramparts at Ypres. 114 all ranks were killed and 227 wounded during the day. It was also the first time that men had moved forward under a creeping barrage. Another new piece of equipment was also trialled, with 12 steel helmets (Tin Hats) being used by 'A' Company. They proved to be great protection and a favorable report was sent back. At some point Harry was killed and he has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

In memoriam published 9th August 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “FREEMAN. – Sacred to the memory of Private Harry Ingham, who was killed in action, August 9th, 1915. – Mother and brother.” Above in memoriam is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Soldiers Died in the Great War - Freeman Harry Ingham, born Basford Nottingham, enlisted Nottingham, abode Old Basford Nottingham, 9850, Private, killed in action, France and Flanders, 9/8/15;