Harry Seward

Harry Seward served with the 2nd Battalion Rhodesia Regiment and was killed in action in German East Africa (Tanzania). He is buried at Taveta Military Cemetery. Kenya Grave Reference: IX.A.6

Harry Seward was killed at the battle of Latema-Reata in March 1916, when British forces advanced from what is now Kenya into the German colony of Tanzania (then known as German East Africa). Although the battle was a Commonwealth victory, during its fighting a machine gun post of the Rhodesia Regiment came under heavy fire from three sides and, in his gun pit, Seward was wounded. He was dragged to safety through the bravery of Private Harold Evans who then returned to the pit to resume firing preventing a rush attack by the German forces which would have broken the British lines. This bravery won him the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Although rescued from immediate danger, Seward was so badly wounded that he died soon afterwards. On 29 March 1916 the Bridgwater Mercury reported that 'Mr Harry Seward killed in action 11 March in German East Africa. Youngest son of Mr G U Seward, formerly grocer of Bridgwater'. Harry's siblings added his name to the family memorial on the plot of the Wembdon Road Cemetery where his parents had previously been laid to rest. The memorial's inscription reads 'In Loving Memory of Martha widow of Emanuel Worner of Martock who died January 10th 1878 aged 57 years. Also of Elizabeth daughter of the above and wife of George U Seward who died July 29th 1892 aged 44 years. Also of Ann widow of Joseph Seward of Dunsford Devon who died April 27th 1897 in her 80th year. Also of Harry son of G. U. and E. Seward killed in action in German East Africa March 1916'. Above information is from the Friends of Wembdon Road, Cemetery, Bridgwater, Somerset website