William Harry Howard
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
William Harry was the son of George and Alice Howard (née Wilson). His father George was born in Gotham in 1849 bap. Gotham St Lawrence 7 October 1849, the son of John and Zillah Howard. His father was a farmer and in 1851 farmed 241 acres at Gotham, employing four out-labourers. By 1861 he was farming 250 acres with his sons William and Benjamin and five labourers and three boys. On John's death his widow Zillah continued to farm in Gotham and in 1871 had 330 acres, assisted by William and a workforce of five men and four boys. However, by 1881 Zillah was living at Chapel Yard, Plumtree, and farming only 24 acres with the assistance of both William and George. Zillah died in 1889 and in 1891 Wiliam was recorded at Little London, Gotham, occupation farmer. His married brother George, who was living with his family at Monks Lane, Gotham, was assisting on the farm. His mother Alice was born in Plumtree on 3 March 1862, the daughter of Thomas, a carpenter, and Sarah Wilson. She was baptised at Plumtree St Mary the Virgin on 6 April 1862. In 1871 she was living with her parents in Plumtree. George Howard and Alice Wilson were married at St Augustine, New Basford, Nottingham, on 26 February 1884. According to the 1911 Census they had had eight children of whom one had died. However, while seven children were recorded on the three census between 1891 and 1911, one, Gertrude Ruth, apparently died before the 1901 census. The surviving children were: John Thomas b. Normanton on the Wolds 1884 bap. Plumtree St Mary 5 October 1884; William Harry b. Nether Broughton Leicestershire 16 July 1886 bap. Nether Broughton 15 August 1886; Gertrude Ruth b. 1888 bap. Upper Broughton St Luke 15 April 1888 d. 1892; Harold Benjamin b. Gotham 1891 bap. Gotham St Lawrence 24 May 1901; Frederic Julian b. Gotham 1895 bap. St Lawrence 31 March 1895; Richard Burton b. Gotham 1896 bap. St Lawrence 8 November 1896 and Alice Mary b. Gotham 1900 bap. St Lawrence 20 May 1900. In 1891 George (41) occupation 'farmer's brother', and Alice (29) were living on Monks Lane, Gotham, with their four children, John (6), William (4), Gertrude (3) and Harold (1 week). Gertrude Ruth died in 1892 aged 4 years. The family was still living on Monks Lane in 1901: George a farm yardman and Alice and their children John, probably a farm worker, William, Harold, Frederick (6) Richard (4) and Alice (1). Also in the home was George's brother William (61) who had retired from farming. The family had moved to 15 Lime Grove, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, by 1911. George was working as a timekeeper at a railway wagon siding. Also in the household were his wife Alice and their children William a railway clerk, Harold and Frederic who were both lace draughtsmen and Richard and Alice who were still at school. John was a tool fitter and a boarder in Loughborough, Leicestershire. The family was still living at 15 Lime Grove in 1919 when Frederic was discharged from the army and gave it as his home address. George Howard died at 15 Lime Grove on 16 February 1932. His widow Alice was recorded on the 1939 England & Wales Register living with her married daughter Alice (Wood) in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Alice Howard died in Nottingham on 20 December 1955 although her home was still with her daughter in Chesterfield. Two of William's brothers also served in the war: Frederic Julian served in the RAMC (93214 Corporal). He attested on 17 November 1914 aged 19; he was working as a lace draughtsman and living with his parents at 15 Lime Grove. He was mobilised on 27 November 1914 and served at home until 27 April 1917. He embarked Southampton on 28 April 1917, disembarked Le Havre the following day and was posted to the 42nd Coy (Stationary Hpspital). He was promoted corporal on 29 November 1917. Frederic returned to England on 3 March 1919 and was disembodied on 31 March 1919 having served for 5 years, 126 days. He was discharged to 15 Lime Grove, Long Eaton. Richard Burton served in 'A' AA Battery Royal Garrison Artillery (Lance Bombardier 201694). He attested on 24 November 1915 when he was 19 years 2 months old; he was working as an insurance clerk and living with his parents at 15 Lime Grove. Richard was not mobilised until 5 January 1916 and served in France. He suffered shell gas poisoning in April 1918 and was treated at No. 1 Canadian General Hospital, Etaples. He was dischargd from the army on 8 October 1918, 'no longer physically fit for war service', giving his discharge address as 15 Lime Grove. He was issued with Silver Badge No. B22743.
1/6th Bn South Staffordshire Regiment William Harry died of wounds on 19 December 1916 at No. 7 Canadian General Hospital, Etaples. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery, France (grave ref. XX.J.3).
William Harry Howard is also commemorated on the war memorial in St. Lawrence church, Market Place, Long Eaton, Derbyshire (William H Howard), and in a Book of Remembrance in the same church (William Henry-sic Howard). Nottingham Evening Post, 'Roll of Honour', 1 January 1917: 'Howard. Died of wounds December 19th, Pte. W H Howard, South Staffords. Deceased was the third and dearly loved son of Mr and Mrs G Howard, Long Eaton, late of Gotham Notts.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Probate: Howard William Harry of 15 Lime-grove Long Eaton Derbyshire a private South Staffordshire regiment died 19 December 1916 at Etaples France on active service. Probate Derby 2 June to Alice Howard (wife of George Howard). Effects £157 5s. 7d. Registers of Soldiers' Effects: document notes that his granted executor was his mother, Alice Howard. WW1 Pension Ledgers: named relative, mother, Alice Howard of Lime Grove, Long Eaton. Long Eaton Advertiser, ‘Deaths’, 19 February 1932: ‘Howard. On February 16, at 15, Lime-grove, Long Eaton, George Howard aged 82 years.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Long Eaton Advertiser, 22 December 1933: ‘Death of Mr F Howard. Sportsmen throughout the district will regret to learn that Mr Fred (sic) Howard, Breedon-street, Long Eaton, passed away in a Nottingham nursing home [14 Regent Street] this morning (Friday). In his 40th year, Mr Howard had been in indifferent health for a considerable time, and last year visited Switzerland for treatment. He will best be remembered as a member of the Long Eaton Town F.C. and he could be described as a gentleman, both on and off the field.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) A family notice of his death was also published in the Long Eaton Advertiser, 22 December 1933.
