Harry Frank Thorpe
He had worked as aFarm Labourer at Scoton, near Worksop, before becoming a Pit Pony Driver at Creswell Colliery.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Harry Frank Thorpe Senior and Hannah Thorpe were both natives of Derbyshire. They had three boys born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
They were Harry Frank Thorpe born in December 1895, William Thorpe in 1897 and Gilbert Thorpe born 1898.
Harry FrankThorpe Senior was a Printer's Compositor and when they moved to Worksop, Nottinghamshire around 1900, he continued in the Printing Industry working for the local firm, Messrs. Sissons & Son.
The Family lived at first at 56. Abbey Street, Worksop, Nottinghamshire where they had two Daughters, Jane Thorpe born in 1901 and Edith Thorpe in 1902.
When the 1911 Census came around, the Family had moved and were now living at 24. Clinton Street, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
Gilbert Thorpe was only 13 years old but was employed as a Servant working at St Cuthberts College, Sparken Hill, Worksop, Nottinghamshire and Harry Frank Thorpe was a Pit Pony Driver at Cresswell Colliery prior to his enlistment.
The obituary of Pte Harry Frank Thorpe Worksop Guardian dated : 5 November 1915.
An old “Worksop Guardian” newsboy and the Son of a former respected employee of Messrs. Sissons and Son, the late Mr H. Thorpe, has died of wounds in the person of Pte. Harry Frank Thorpe, 10021, A Coy, 1st Batt. York and Lancs Regt.
Pte Thorpe was the eldest of the late Mr Thorpe’s Family who for some years resided in Clinton Street, Worksop.
After leaving school, Pte Thorpe worked on a farm at Scofton and later at Creswell Colliery. He enlisted four years ago so that he was a trained soldier when the war broke out. Meanwhile the Family removed to Hucknall, Huthwaite, and it may be remembered that deceased’s Father was the victim of a fatal accident between Sutton and Mansfield some months ago, being run over by a brake containing footballers.
In his last letter to his Mother, Pte Thorpe stated that “he was coming home for a few days.” Within a week his poor mother received notice of his death.
The deceased would have been 21 years of age next month.
He was a smart well conducted soldier and much liked by his comrades.
Great sympathy is expressed with his widowed mother in her distress.
A Memorial service to Private Thorpe was held in the Parish Church, Sutton-in-Ashfield on Sunday evening by the Rev F N Beswick (vicar).
In accordance with custom the flag was half-mast on the Church tower and the roll of fallen heroes was surrounded by a laurel wreath.
The hymns were “Thou to whom the sick and dying” “Eternal Father strong to save” “Saviour again to Thy dear name” and “For all the saints.” The vicar delivered an appropriate discourse and the service ended with the stirring music of the “Dead March.”
He is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery, France.
Research by Colin Dannatt.
He is also commemorated on his Parent's headstone in Huthwaite Cemetery, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire.
The Family headstone is broken and lying flat, the full Inscription is difficult to read but the part Commemorating Private, Harry Frank Thorpe reads : "Also of their beloved Son, Pte. Harry Frank Thorpe 1st (or 17th), Batallion, Yorks. and Lancs. Reg. who fell in the Battle of Loos, Oct 1st 1915 in his 21st year.
'He bravely answered duty's call.
His life he gave for one and all.
But the unknown grave is the bitterest blow.
None but an aching heart can know'".
He is also Commemeorated on the Huthwaite Cenotaph, World War One Rollof Honour in the same Cemetery as : Thorpe H. F.
CWGC records state that he was serving in the 1st Battalion, York & Lancs. Regiment which would make sense as a pre War Regular Soldier having enlisted Circa. 1911.
Additional information and photographs by Gary Crosby.
Harry Frank Thorpe
Photo was originally published in the Worksop Guardian.
Courtesy of Robert Illett
Harry Frank Thorpe
Photo of the Vermelles British Cemetery, France , where Harry Frank Thrope is buried in grave reference I H 17
Henry Frank Thorpe
Commonwealth war grave headstone marking his grave at Vermelles British Cemetery, Pas de Calais. Courtesy of Murray Biddle
Photo of Harry Frank Thorpe
Photograph of a damaged Family Memorial Commemorating Private, Harry Frank Thorpe in Huthwaite Cemetery, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire by Gary Crosby on the 21st June 2025.
Photo of Harry Frank Thorpe
Photograph of the World War One Names on the Huthwaite Cemetery, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire on which Private, Harry Frank Thorpe is Commemorated by Gary Crosby on the 21st June 2025.m
Photo of Harry Frank Thorpe
Photograph of huthwaite Cenotaph, Huthwaite, Cemetery, Nottinghamshire on which Private, Harry Frank Thorpe is Commemorated by Gary Crosby on the 21st June 2025.