Harry Frank Thorpe
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harry and Hannah Thorpe were natives of Derbyshire. They had three boys born in Chesterfield. They were Harry Frank Thorpe born in 1895, William in 1897 and Gilbert born 1898. Harry senior was a compositor and when they moved to Worksop around 1900, he continued in that trade working for a local firm, The family lived at first at 56 Abbey Street where they had two daughters, Jane in 1901 and Edith in 1902. When 1911 came round, the family had moved and were now living at 24 Clinton Street. Gilbert was only 13 but was employed as a servant working at St Cuthberts College, Sparken Hill, Worksop and Harry Frank was a pit pony driver prior to his enlistment.
The obituary of Pte Harry Frank Thorpe Worksop Guardian 5 November 1915 An old “Worksop Guardian” newsboy and the son of a former respected employee of Messrs. Sissons and Son, the late Mr H Thorpe, has died of wounds in the person of Pte Harry Frank Thorpe, 10021, A Co, 1st Batt. York and Lancs Regt. Pte Thorpe was the eldest of the late Mr Thorpe’s family who for some years resided in Clinton Street, Worksop. After leaving school, Pte Thorpe worked on a farm at Scofton and later at Creswell Colliery. He enlisted four years ago so that he was a trained soldier when the war broke out. Meanwhile the family removed to Hucknall, Huthwaite, and it may be remembered that deceased’s father was the victim of a fatal accident between Sutton and Mansfield some months ago, being run over by a brake containing footballers. In his last letter to his mother, Pte Thorpe stated that “he was coming home for a few days.” Within a week his poor mother received notice of his death. The deceased would have been 21 years of age next month. He was a smart well conducted soldier and much liked by his comrades. Great sympathy is expressed with his widowed mother in her distress. A memorial service to Private Thorpe was held in the Parish Church, Sutton-in-Ashfield on Sunday evening by the Rev F N Beswick (vicar). In accordance with custom the flag was half-mast on the Church tower and the roll of fallen heroes was surrounded by a laurel wreath. The hymns were “Thou to whom the sick and dying” “Eternal Father strong to save” “Saviour again to Thy dear name” and “For all the saints.” The vicar delivered an appropriate discourse and the service ended with the stirring music of the “Dead March.”
He is buried in Vermelles British Cemetery, France. Research by Colin Dannatt
