Herbert Harold Birch
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Herbert Harold was born in 1892 the youngest son of Joe a frame work knitter and Margaret Birch (née Fowler.) Joe was born at Nottingham in 1860 and Margaret Fowler in 1861 in Jamaica. Married in 1882 at Nottingham, they had five children. Herbert’s siblings were William (1885-1906), Joe, Gladys Mary Liddia b.1889 Huddersfield and Ivy May b.1895 at Nottingham. In 1911 they lived at 75 Thorneywood Rise Nottingham. Joe was a framework knitter whilst Gladys and Ivy both worked as clerks. Both sisters married – Gladys to Leonard Thorpe in 1914 and Ivy to Albert Bircumshaw in 1917. Gladys died in 1916 aged 27, Joe passed away aged 57 in 1917 and Margaret died in 1921 aged 66. Ivy and Albert emigrated to Canada.
Herbert Harold Birch enlisted in Nottingham on 4th November 1914 aged 21 years 11 months. He was embodied for service on 4th November 1914. He landed in France on 28th February 1915 and was killed in action on 31st July 1915. He had served for 270 days. Menin Gate Panel 39 and 41
In Memoriam 31/7/1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- 'BIRCH. – In loving memory of Herbert Harold Birch, 1/7th Sherwood Foresters (Robin Hoods), dearly-beloved and youngest son of J. and M. Birch, Haydn-road, killed in action July 31st, 1915. He is dead, the beautiful youth – the heart of honour, the tongue of truth. 'BIRCH. – In loving memory of my dear brother, Herbert Harold Birch, 1/7th Sherwood Foresters (Robin Hoods), killed in action, July 31st, 1915. A noble life laid down at duty's call. – Brother, wife, and children.' 'BIRCH. – In loving memory of our dearly-beloved nephew, Herbert Birch, killed in action July 31st, 1915. – Deeply lamented by his aunties, Mrs. Budge and Miss Fowler.' Notices courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
