Harold Edward Appleton
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harold known as Harry to his family and friends was born in Basford on 19th September 1887 and was the son of Walter Henry Appleton a lace maker later gardener, and Sarah Ann Appleton nee Reek. His father Walter was born in Nottinghamshire in 1857, he died in 1915; his mother Sarah was born in 1863 in Lowdham, she died in 1889. They married at St Marys Church Lowdham on 29th May 1882, they had a further child Beatrice Alice born in 1885 Nottingham. In the 1901 census following the death of his mother the family have split up , Harry now 13 years is living with his grandparents Henry and Harriett Reek at Southwell Road, Lowdham. His father is living alone in Mount Street, Basford. and his sister Beatrice now 15 yrs of age is living with her uncle John Mettam 48 yrs, a licenced victualler, and his family who are living at the Town Arms Inn, Trent Bridge. In the 1911 census he is shown as being single, 22 yrs of age and is with his battalion, 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters, in barracks in India. Meanwhile his father Walter now 54 yrs is a widower and is living with Wallace Robinson and family at 5 Woodville Terrace, Bloomsgrove Street. His sister Beatrice is now married to a Bernard Ernest Saddler 29 yrs a postman; she is 25 yrs of age. They have a son Albert William Saddler, 2 yrs, and are living at 66 Kirkwhite Street, Meadows, Nottingham
Harry's army career started well before the outbreak of the 'Great War' he was a regular soldier having enlisted on 21st May 1907 at Nottingham. He gave his age as 19 years and 7 months, giving his place of birth as Basford, Nottingham, his occupation as that of a farm labourer and his religion as that of a Methodist. His next of kin was his father Walter of 5 Woodville Place, Bloomsgrove Street, Radford. He enlisted for a seven year term with the army and served with the 1st battalion Sherwood Foresters, going out with the battalion and serving in India. On 31st October 1913 he extended his service for a further 5 years extending to 12 years. When war broke out his battalion were returned to England and from 3rd September 1914 was serving at home; by 3rd November 1914 they had joined the British Expeditionary Force in France. He returned and once again served in England between 23rd December 1915 until on 17th March 1915 he returned to the British Expeditionary Force in France. It was while he was in action during the battle of the Somme that he was killed. He has no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. He had served in the army for a total of 9 years and 47 days.
Harry's personal property, consisting of a metal watch (broken) with chain, a gold ring (18ct) stone missing, were sent together with a memo dated 1st November 1916 to his sister Beatrice A Saddler who was living at 3 Walker Terrace, Bunbury Street, Nottingham (later moving to 14 Walker Terrace around 1923).
