Harold Greenwood
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harold was the youngest son of George Robert Greenwood and Adah Greenwood (née Twells). Adah's name is given as 'Ada' on some records. George Robert was the son of William Henry and Hannah Greenwood and born in Gainsborough (birth registered 1860 J/F/M). Adah was the daughter of William and Charlotte Twells and born in Nottingham in 1862. They were married in Nottingham in 1880 and according to the 1911 Census when they had been married for 31 years they had had nine children of whom eight were still living. Eight children were named on the census between 1891 and 1911: Adah/Ada b. 1881, Lilian/Lily birth registered 1883, (J/F/M), William Arthur known as Arthur birth registered 1884 (J/F/M), Gertrude b. 1886, George b. 1887, Ernest b. 1891, Leonard birth registered 1894 (J/F/M) and Harold birth registered 1896 (J/F/M). All the children were born in Nottingham. In 1881 George (21), a lace maker, and Adah (18) were living at 5 Factory Road, Lenton. Ten years later in 1891 they were living at 28 Harley Street, Lenton, with their five children; Adah (9), Lilian (8), William (7), Gertrude (4) and George (3). By 1901 the family had moved to 14 March Street, Nottingham. George was still working as a lace maker. He and Adah had seven children living at home: Lily (18), a lace jennier, Arthur [William Arthur] a pit lad - trucks, Gertrude an errand girl, George a pit lad - trucks, Ernest (10), Leonard (6) and Harold (5). Their eldest child, Adah, a lace dresser, was at 22 Hornbuckle Street, Radford, a boarder in the household of Isabella Freeman (24), who also worked as a lace dresser. Adah may have emigrated to America as there is a record of an Ada Greenwood applying for a US passport and also a death record (period 1908-1949) for an Adah Greenwood Holbery registered in the USA. In 1904 George and Ada were temporarily estranged; he was living at 6 Hines Yard, Angel Row, Nottingham, and she at 13 Lotus Street, St Ann's. In the October, both were found guilty of neglecting their three youngest sons and each sentenced to one month imprisonment. (See 'Extra Information') George and Adah were clearly reconciled for by 1911 they were living at 10 Sun Hill, Sneinton, with their three youngest children; Ernest (19), a general labourer, Leonard (17), a printer, and Harold (15), an errand boy. By 1916 the boys' parents were living at 101 Clarence Street, Carlton Road, Nottingham, and this was still their address when Ernest was killed in October 1918. Ernest served in the Royal Marine Light Infantry (CH/199(S) Lance Serjeant) and was killed on 24 March 1918 (Doullens Communal Cemetery Extension). Their brother, Arthur [William Arthur] served but was taken prisoner in 1914 (POW Camp, Hemeln) - he was probably Arthur William Greenwood, Silver Badge B196278, 102049 Private Sherwood Foresters. A fourth brother (not yet identified) also served. Their father died in 1918 aged 59 (buried 16 October 1918). His wife survived him.
17th Bn Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment). Harold was killed in action on 3 September 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 10C 10D and 11A). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post, 'Roll of Honour', 30 October 1916: ‘Greenwood. Killed in action Sept. 3rd, Private Harold Greenwood, Sherwood Foresters, youngest son of Ada and George Greenwood, late of Lenton. He died a noble death. Sorrowing mother, father, brothers and sisters.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post. 'Roll of Honour', 31 October 1916: ‘Greenwood. Killed in action, September 3rd, Private Harold Greenwood, Sherwood Foresters, aged 18, late of Lenton. His duty nobly done. Mr and Mrs Pilgrim, family, and sweetheart Ethel.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, November 1916 photographs with caption: 'Private H Greenwood (Sherwood Foresters), killed in action September 3rd age 19, and Private A Greenwood (Sherwood Foresters), prisoner in Germany 1914, brothers of 101 Clarence Street, Nottingham.' Note: Nottingham Evening Post , Wednesday 20 December 1916: ‘A useful cheque from the recent jumble sale.’ The report describes a jumble sale held on behalf of Red Cross Clothing Department ‘and a certain percentage of the proceeds were set aside for our Cigarette Fund’. Parcels were going to be sent in the New Year to soldiers, sailors and prisoners of war. ‘Among acknowledgements from prisoners of war of parcels of cigarettes are the following … Private A Greenwood at Hemeln.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post ‘In Memoriam’, 3 September 1917: ‘Greenwood. In loving memory of my dear son, Private H Greenwood, who was killed September 3rd 1916. Deeply mourned. From his sorrowing mother, father, and brothers (three of whom are serving with the colours).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Harold's father, George, was his legatee but after George's death in 1918 Harold's mother, Ada, received a payment due from the War Office. Nottingham Evening Post, Tuesday 25 October 1904: ‘Neglect of Children. Nottm. Parents sent to Gaol. Mr JW McCraith and Mr W Bridgett sitting at the Nottingham Summons Court this morning, had before them a case of child neglect. The defendants were George Greenwood twisthand of 6 Hine’s-yard, Angel-row, and Ada Greenwood, his wife, lately residing at 13, Lotus-street. They were both summoned for neglecting their three children, Ernest, aged 13, Leonard (10), and Harold (8), in such a manner as to cause them unnecessary suffering on the 15th inst. Sergeant Andrews stated that on the day named he visited defendant’s house in Hine’s-yard, and found that the three children were badly clothed, dirty, and very poorly nourished. The living-room downstairs contained two old broken chairs, two old couches, and a table. It was in a very filthy condition as was also the bedroom. On another occasion when witness visited the house, he found it in an equally bad state. The male defendant was continually drunk, and it was this reason which had led his wife to live away from him just lately. Evidence in support was given by Pc Mead, Dr Taylor, and two neighbours. For the defence other neighbours were called, one of whom said that since his wife had left him the male defendant had looked after his children as well as a man who was out all day at work could. The Chairman characterised the case as being a scandalous one. Both defendants were sent to prison for a month.’ (www. britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
