(L to R) 1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Allied Victory Medal
Harold was born in 1894. He lived with his father, George, a tramway motorman, and his mother, Minnie, at 65 Bethan Street in Collyhurst. Harold’s cousin, George, also lived with them. By 1911 they had moved to 7 Slater Street in Oldham, and Harold now had a younger sister called Ethel. During this time Harold had started working as a clerk in a bookbinders.
It is not known exactly where or when Harold joined the Army. He was given the service number 10810 and assigned to the 18th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment. Also known as the 3rd City Battalion, this was a ‘pals battalion’ of local lads who enlisted, trained and fought together. .
Little is known of Harold’s time in the Army, however, he did join the Battalion’s bugle band as a drummer. Bandsmen often served as stretcher bearers during wartime. Later in the war, he was transferred to the Labour Corps where he was given the service number 454208. .
Harold survived the war and married Mollie Gibson in 1920. Little is known about his later life.
Harold’s medals were donated to the museum collections in 2013.
