Harry Penney
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
The Penney family from Worksop spent many years working on the Osberton Estate near Worksop. The head of the family, Francis William Penney, was a gardener there and when his children grew up, they also carried on the gardening tradition. Francis married Margaret Ann Dale in 1885 and had their first two children, Ernest in 1890 and Annie in 1892, whilst living at 145 Cheapside in Worksop, Before 1894 the family were living and working on the Osberton Estate where their remaining children were born, Leonard 1894, Algy 1896, Harry 1898 and Edward Wallace in 1902 resident at Scofton Vicarage Cottage, Osberton, Worksop. In 1911, the family were living back in Worksop at 35 Abbey Street and although Harry Penney was still a schoolboy, was soon to become another victim of the forthcoming war.
Sergt H Penny Worksop Guardian 10 November 1916 Another Worksop family who have to mourn the loss of a gallant son is Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Penny, of 41, Lincoln Street, who have every reason to believe that their boy, Serg: Henry Penney, of the 1st Sherwood Foresters, is no more. He was only a boy, though by sheer merit he had gained the rank of full Sergeant, and had just turned 20 when he surrendered his young life. Harry Penney, as he was known to his intimates, joined the Army over three years ago, at the time when those who talked of a European war were considered to be foolish alarmists. Up to then, and since leaving School, he was employed by us as shop lad at 23 or 25 Bridge street, and was a smart, bright, intelligent boy. Penny applied himself to his military duties with astonishing success. He received his first stripe, and when the War broke out he was drilling and training men much older that himself. He was kept in England for some time for this purpose, being stationed at Plymouth and Sunderland, then was drafted to France five months ago. Up to the time of writing no official news had been received concerning Sergt: Penny, news of his death was contained in a letter addressed by a chum of Penny’s to Miss Gray, a lady whom both soldiers knew when at Sunderland, and who took much interest in the Sherwood Foresters. The letter reads:- “Dear Miss Gray, - I am sorry to have to inform you of the death of Sergt: Penny. Harry was killed on the 15th (October), and I can assure you that he suffered no pain. He met his death bravely. We all in the Company miss him very much, especially myself, as we were chums in peace time and also at Sunderland. Would you kindly let his parent’s know as I don’t know their address? “ Immediately on receipt of this letter, which Miss Gray forwarded, the Regiment Head quarters were communicated with, but so far without success. What confirms the story of Penny’s death, however, is that the fact that nothing has been heard from him for several weeks, though previously he had written regularly. Furthermore, Pte Sprowell, of Langley Street writes to his parents, states that he had seen the Sergeant who buried Penny, and who told him that nothing of value was found upon him. Here again there would be some confusion as it was known that Penny was wearing a gold wrist watch, and was not without money. Since the above has been written, news has been received from the War Office, notifying the death of Sergt: Penny. It occurred at a place not stated, on October 14th. He was killed in action. This represents all the particulars ascertainable at present. Penny was a brave young fellow, bright, intelligent, and full of life. He was a good son and a young fellow of whom all who knew him could not help but like. He died a soldier’s death, and we express our sorrow with those bereaved.
CWG additional information:- Son of Mr. F. and Mrs. M. Penney, of 41, Lincoln St., Worksop, Notts. Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France. Research by Colin Dannatt
