Harry Pepper
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
He was the son of Henry and Mary Elizabeth Pepper (née James). Henry and Mary Elizabeth were married in 1887 (reg. Melton Mowbray) and had nine children of whom eight survived. The five eldest surviving children were born in Burton Lazars, Leicestershire, and baptised in the parish church; the three youngest were born in Holwell, Leicestershire: Matthew James b. 1888 bap. 22 July 1888; Tom b. 1890 bap. 23 November 1890; Harry b. 1 April 1894 bap. 29 April 1894; Ada birth registered 1897 (J/F/M) bap. 14 February 1897; William birth registered 1899 (J/F/M) bap. 12 March 1899; May (Mary) Elizabeth b. 1901; Fred b. 1903 and Jack b. 1907. Henry (25), a wagoner, and Mary (27) were living on Main Street, Burton Lazars, in 1891 with their two children, Matthew (3) and Tom (under one year). By 1901 they were living at the Stables Hall in the village; Henry was now an agricultural worker. In the home on the night of the census were their five eldest children: Matthew, Tom, Harry (7), Ada (4) and William (2). The family had moved to Holwell near Melton Mowbray by 1911; Henry was still working as a farm labourer. Only five of their children were in the home on the night of the census: Ada 'not employed, at home', William, Mary Elizabeth (10), Fred (8) and Jack (3). In 1911 Harry was living in Barton-in-Fabis in the household of the widowed John Priestley and working as a wagoner. However he gave his trade as a miner when he enlisted in 1914 and if he was still living in the village - as suggested by the inclusion of his name on its war memorial - he was probably employed as a plaster miner at the local gypsum works like many other men in the area.
Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Harry enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers on 2 September 1914 but transferred to the RNVR as an ordinary seaman on 7 September. He was drafted to Howe Bn. RND and served in Antwerp in 1914 and later in Gallipoli and France. He suffered a gunshot wound to his right foot in May 1915 but was able to rejoin his battalion on 31 May 1915. He had leave in the UK in 1916 but rejoined his battalion in France on 6 June. Five months later on either 13 of 14 November he again suffered gunshot wounds in action and was transferred to the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station where he died on 16 November 1916. He was buried in Puchevillers British Cemetery, France (grave ref. VI.B.16). A memorial service was held in Holwell parish church in November. He qualified for the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. CWGC - History of Puchevillers British Cemetery (extract): 'In June 1916, just before the opening of the Battles of the Somme, the 3rd and 44th Casualty Clearing Stations came to Puchevillers. Plots I to V, and almost the whole of Plot VI were made by those hospitals before the end of March 1917.' (www.cwgc.org)
Harry is also commemorated on the war memorial in St Leonard's church, Holwell, Leicestershire. CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'In loving memory of our dear son from all at home' The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette, 1 December 1916: 'MELTON AND THE WAR.” – HOLWELL. – LOCAL SOLDIER KILLED. – It is with very great regret we have to announce the death of Pte. H. Pepper, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Pepper, of this village, who was recently killed in action at the front. During the progress of the war the deceased had seen much and varied service. He was in the landing at Antwerp, but managed to get away from that city without being interned. He afterwards took an exciting part in the Gallipoli adventure. He was next sent to the Western front, where unfortunately, he met his death. Much sympathy is expressed for Mr. and Mrs. Pepper and family in their sad bereavement. Not long ago Pte. Woods, brother to Mrs. Pepper junr., was also killed, thus making a double bereavement. A memorial service was held on Sunday at the Parish Church in memory of the deceased, and the vicar preached a most suitable sermon, the members of the deceased’s family being present.' 'In Memoriam', The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette, 16 November 1917: 'Pepper. In loving memory of Harry Pepper, who was killed in action November 16th, 1916, aged 22 years. His cheerful smile and loving face. Are pleasant to recall; He always had a kindly word. And died beloved by all. From his loving Brother and Sister, Aunties and Uncle. Burton Lazars.' 'In Memoriam' , The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette, 15 November 1918: 'Pepper. In ever loving memory of our dear son, Harry Pepper, of Holwell, killed in action, Nov. 16th, 1916. Aged 22. The mother who loved him bowed her head. And wept for the lad she bore. Yet never she grudged her sacred dead. For her county’s need was sore. “He died for his King and the right,” she said. “And no man could do more.” From Father and Mother, Brothers and Sister.' (Note: his youngest sister, Mary, had died earlier that year.) Above courtesy of: www.leicestershirewarmemorials.co.uk
