Harry Searson

Harry enlisted in June 1915 in Mansfield, he served with the 16th battalion Sherwood Foresters. He was killed in action on 31st July 1917 and is buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery, Belgium.

Notts Free Press – 30th August, 1918. - DRUMMER H. SEARSON, HUTHWAITE. After being reported as missing since July 31st, 1917, official news has been received of the death of Drummer Searson of 41, Royal Oak Yard, Huthwaite. Formerly a miner, working at Tibshelf Colliery, Drummer Searson enlisted in the Sherwood Foresters in June, 1915, and has seen considerable service in France. The following letter was received by his mother from the Red Cross Society:- "We have today received information about your son which we fear is of a very sad nature, L.-Cpl. H. Broadberry, 27446, of the same Regiment, now in hospital in France states: I knew Searson well and came out with him in March, 1915. He was about 28 years of age, 5ft 11 ins in height, well built, dark and clean shaven. Stretcher bearer W. Bower, of A Co. now up the line told me he saw Searson killed on July 31st at Kitchener’s Wood, which on that day was our objective. We should suggest your communicating with Stretcher Bearer Bower quoted above, before accepting this report with too much weight, and are continuing our enquiries. Assuring you of our sincere sympathy in your great anxiety." From one of the deceased’s chums a letter was also received to the effect that he had been killed.