Harry Skillington
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Harry was the son of Harry Skillington and Selina (Annie) Skillington formerly Sheppard (nee Sims/Simms). Selina Sims was born in Coddington, near Newark, on 24 September 1886, the daughter of William and Eliza Simms. In 1881 Selina (14) was living at The Hall, Coddington, with her widowed father, William (44) a gamekeeper, and her siblings. Selina married first Frederick Sheppard who was born in Gonalston, Nottinghamshire, in about 1866. They were married in 1886 (J/A/S Newark) and in 1891 were living on Mill Lane, Newark, with their two sons, Harold (3, b. 1887 (Shephard-A/M/J Newark/Sims) and Frederick William (2, b. 1889 (J/F/M Newark/Sims). Frederick was a butcher. Frederick snr. has not yet been identified on civil records after 1891 although he may have died by 1893. Selina had another son, Charles Leonard (Leonard) Sheppard, in 1895 (J/A/S Southwell/Sims). In 1901 Selina (35), whose status was given on the census as married, was living with her sons Leonard Sheppard (6), Harry Sheppard (4) and Frank Sheppard (under 1 year, d. 1901), on George Street, Newark, in the household of Harry Skillington (35 b. Newark 9 January 1866 bap. St Mary Magdalene 4 February 1866) single. Harry Skillington was a pork butcher who in 1891 had been living on Lombard Street, Newark, with his widowed mother, Emma, also a pork butcher (and in 1881 a publican at the same address). Harry Skillington and Selina were married in 1902 (J/A/S Newark) and by 1911 were living at 37 Fox Street, Annesley Woodhouse; Harry was working as a coal miner/banksman (above ground). They provided the following information on the census form: Harry - married 9 years, 11 children, 7 living, 4 died. Selina - married 7 years, 2 chlldren. The names of Selina's two sons by Frederick Sheppard, Harold and Frederick William, were included on the census but their names then deleted; Harold was married (Gertrude Harriet Brunning, 1910 A/M/J Newark) and Frederick William (known as William) was a soldier, but apart from this record they have not been traced on civil or military records after 1891. The other children in the household were: Leonard Sheppard (15) a coal miner/pony driver, Harry Skillington Sheppard (14) a coal miner/coal sorter, Everitt Skillington Sheppard (9), OE [Olga Edith] May Skillington (6) and Frank Skillington (2). Leonard, Harry and Everitt were described as Harry Skillington's sons but the word 'step' ie. stepsons, was added in red in what appears to be a different hand. Five children who were born before Harry and Selina married have been identified from the registrations of birth and the census: Charles Leonard Sheppard b. Ollerton 1895 (J/A/S Southwell/Sims), Harry Skillington Sheppard b. Newark 1897 (A/M/J Newark/Sheppard), twins Percy Skillington Sheppard and Frank Skillington Sheppard b. 1900 (O/N/D Newark/Sheppard) died 1901 (J/F/M and A/M/J Newark resepectively), Everitt Skillington Sheppard b. Newark 17 December 1901 (O/N/D Newark). Four children were born after their marriage in 1902: Olga Edna May b. Newark 1904 (O/N/D Newark), Percy Mandeville birth registered 1906 (J/F/M Newark) died 1906 (J/F/M Newark), Doris Ellen birth registered 1907 (J/F/M Basford/Sims) died 1907 (A/M/J Basford), and Frank b. Kirkby in Ashfield 21 December 1908 (1909 J/F/M Basford). These nine children together with Selina's two sons by her first marriage account for the births of eleven children referred to on the 1911 census, only seven of whom were still living. Harry and Selina were living at 32 Sampson Street, Annesley Woodhouse, by the time Leonard attested in 1914, but in 1939 when the England & Wales Register was compiled, they were again living in Newark at 232 London Road. Harry was a retired pork butcher. Also living with them was their son, Everitt who was a ball bearing inspector (d. 1966). Selina died in 1940 (J/F/M Newark) and Harry in 1953 (A/M/J Newark). Harry's half-brother, Frederick William, served in the war. Charles Leonard Sheppard also served, attesting on 16 August 1914 and posted the same day to the 9th Service Battalion, Sherwood Foresters. He was discharged on 23 October 1914 after serving only 69 days having 'been found unlikely to become an efficient soldier under para 392(iii)c King's Regulations ('mentally deficient, bad eyesight'). He had named his mother, Annie (sic) Skillington of 32 Sampson Street, Annesley Woodhouse, as his next of kin. Charles Leonard probably died in 1920 (O/N/D Derby) aged about 25.
Harry Skillington enlisted in Newark, home address Annesley Woodhouse. He gave his age as 17 yrs and 10 months and his address as 32 Sampson Street, Annesley Woodhouse. His next of kin was his mother Annie [Selina] of the same address. He was a miner at Annesley coliiery. Harry served with the 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) Regiment. He landed in France on 27th June 1915. He died of wounds at 12th General Hospital, Rouen, on 3 June the following year. His parents had been able to visit him in hospital and his brother Will [Frederick William] was with him when he died. Harry was buried in St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, grave reference A 21 31
Registers of Soldiers' Effects and WW1 Pension Ledgers: his mother Annie (sic) Skillington was his legatee. A number of letters sent to his parents were published in the Hucknall Dispatch on 20th July 1916 :- “General Hospital, Rouen. “My dear Mrs. Skillington, “I am so sorry to have to write and tell you that your dearest boy passed away early this morning most peacefully in his sleep, and suffered no pain at all. His brother [Frederick William, half-brother] was with him all the time, and remained with him until the end, being so upset about his little brother. I can’t tell you how greatly we are all feeling for you in this heavy sorrow, and I know only too well how you all will feel his loss, as he was indeed such a dear, patient, loving boy, and never once did he utter one word of grumble, but bore his pain like the hero he was. Expressions of sympathy seem so empty to comfort at such a time as this, but you will find solace in the thought that your darling boy is safe and no earthly sorrow can touch him now, as he is one of God’s angels. For him we need not grieve, but that is for those left to mourn. We must pray for resignation to endure the waiting until we are reunited in God’s good care. I wish I could have saved your boy, but “God’s will be done,” so it must be for the best, though, perhaps, it is hard to believe it at present. Accept my most heartfelt sympathy, and if there is anything I can do for you, please write. Yours sincerely, S.W. Parry-Jones, Sister.” “Infantry Base Depot, France. “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Skillington, “It is with very deep sympathy that I write you. We all feel for you very sincerely, and pray that you may realise God’s comforting presence. I am glad that your son, Will [Frederick William, half-brother], was able to be with him during the week. He was with “Conn” to the last. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon. He was followed to the cemetery by a party of soldiers from his own regiment and by some French soldiers. Will [Frederick William, half-brother] and I were the principal mourners. The sisters who had known him well brought some nice roses, and as they handed them over to be placed on the Union Jack they broke down with grief. They said he was the best patient they had ever had in the war. We buried him in the pretty cemetery of St. Sever, quite near to the hospital where you visited him. He has been laid to rest with his comrades who have made the great sacrifice in behalf of the weak and oppressed. The men of his regiment fired three volleys, and the bugler sounded the Last Post. We shall all miss him. I shall miss the smile of welcome with which he greeted me. But we must think of him as being with the Lord and Master Whom he loved, and free from those terrible wounds that caused him so much pain. He was a true hero, for he never grumbled. He bore his suffering manfully and patiently. With very much feeling for you all. I am yours sincerely, W.H. Small, Chaplain.” “Curragh Camp, Ireland. “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Skillington, “Allow us to take the opportunity of writing a few lines to you on behalf of the Annesley Woodhouse boys who are serving with the Sherwood Foresters in Ireland. We were all grieved to hear of the death of your son “Conn,” our old school-mate. We all send our deepest sympathy to you in your sad bereavement. We have missed him a lot since he left our Battalion for France, and to hear of his death was a shock to us all. The only consolation we can give you is that he was doing his duty for King, country, and home. Believe us all to remain, yours very sincerely, “Ptes W Poole, L Lowe, L Allcock and C Allen .” Note: L Allcock may be Lancelot A Allcock of Annesley, Royal Warwickshire Regiment (formerly Notts & Derby Regiment), died 7 May 1917.
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