Harry Rayson

Born about 1895. He was the son of the late Christopher William and Louisa Rayson, of Nottingham. Siblings William, Ida Annie and Christopher Herbert. His father was a licensed victualler and in 1901 the family lived at the Blue Ball, Peck Lane, Nottingham, with Elizabeth Prince (mother in law) and two general servants; William was 7, Harry 6, Ida 3 and Christopher 8m. His mother died in the spring of 1906 and his father on 17 September 1907 in the General Hospital His father's address at the time of his death was the Salutation Inn, Nicholas Street, Nottingham. Probate was granted in October 1907 and administration was given to his widow, Bertha Rayson (effects £1742 11s 3d). In the 1911 Census, Harry (16) and William (17) are living as boarders at 28 Henry Road, West Bridgford, with Mrs Selina Wood (widow). Both were clerks for a lace manufacturer. Their brother, Christopher Herbert (10), and sister, Ida Annie (13), were living with an aunt and uncle at 47 Prince's Street, Mansfield. His brother, 12694 Cpl William Rayson, 'D' Coy, 8th Bn Leicestershire Regiment, died 15/7/1916 age 22. William's medals were left in trust to an aunt, Lillian M Allcock, who was Christopher's guardian. Christopher, according to a note in William's army record, was also serving in the army. On enlistment in September 1914, William named Harry as his next of kin; Harry's address was given as 9 Crosby Road, West Bridgford. Harry was replaced as William's next of kin in February 1916 by their aunt, Mrs LM Allcock of 29 Rothsay Avenue, Lenton Sands. Both Christopher and Ida were living with Mrs Allcock at the time William enlisted in September 1914.