Harold Dexter
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Harold Dexter was born in 1895 at Nottingham, he was the son of Joseph a lace hand mechanic and Catherine Dexter née Smedley of 20 Boswell Street, Radford, Nottingham. His father Joseph was born in 1859 , his mother Catherine Smedley was born in 1858 both were born in Radford, they were married in 1881 at Nottingham, they went on to have 5 children, sadly 1 was to die in infancy or early childhood. In the 1911 census the family are living at 20 Boswell Street, Radford, Nottingham, Joseph 52 yrs is a lace hand mechanic, he is living with his wife Catherine 53 yrs and their children, Arthur 28 yrs a levers lace draughtsman, Ethel 21 yrs a blouse maker, Harold 16 yrs a carriage hand and Harry 12 yrs a scholar.
Harold Dexter was in the territorial force- 1/7th battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). He went to France on 25 June 1915 and joined the 1/7 Battalion on 29th along with 102 other men. The battalion was based in tents near Poperinghe Belgium. When in the front line, they were in Sanctuary Wood. At some point Harold was re-numbered (70752) and posted to 1st Battalion. On 4th March 1917 the battalion attacked to take a ridge south of St Pierre Vaast Wood. The barrage opened up at 5.15 am but as the men left their trenches, the enemy replied. Sgt Kemp had nine of his platoon hit by one shell but despite this the men kept on going and took the enemy trench. The enemy were just getting out of their dugouts, therefore the assaulting battalions went straight on to Pallas Support trench and left the 'moppers up' to deal with Pallas Trench. In several places hand to hand fighting took place and enemy bombers (grenades) held the men up for a time. Some Germans hid in the deep dugouts but these were dealt with. During this time 'A' and 'B' companies were carrying ammunition and materials from the original front line to Pallas Front and Support trenches, crossing over No Mans Land continuously through enemy fire. By 6.16 am, all the objectives had been taken and held. During the day the enemy made four local counter attacks but failed each time. The attack had achieved all of its objectives and cleared the enemy from a ridge which they could see Aldershot Valley. Harold was one of 49 men killed during the day. He is buried in Aveluy Wood Cemetery (Lancashire Dump) Mesnil - Martinsart. It is likely that his remains were reinterred in this cemetery after the armistice.John Morse
additional research and information Peter Gillings
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