Harry Poynton
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Harry Poynton was born in 1898 at Ashby De La Zouch and was the son of Harry (senior ) a farm labourer and Harriet Poynton née Thornley of 10 Marks Lane, Newark. His parents Harry (senior) was born in 1859 at Ashby and his mother Harriett Elizabeth Thornley was born in 1860 at Walsall, Staffordshire. They were married in 1885 at Ashby , Harriett brought two daughters to the marriage, Mary Thornley b1881 and Lizzie Thornley b1883, they went on to have 6 children 3 of whom sadly died in infancy or early childhood, their children were born in Ashby and were, Susan b1887, William Harry b1889, Olive b1892, Violet b1894, Harry b1898 and Gladys b1900. In the 1911 census the family are livening at 14 The Callis, Ashby De La Zouch and are shown as Harry 52 yrs a farm labourer , he is living with his wife Harriett 51 yrs and their son Harry 13 yrs.
Private Harry Poynton enlisted at Newark, he initially served with the service number 49265 in the Leicestershire Regiment. He was serving with the 1st battalion Cambridgeshire Regiment when he was killed in action on 5th September 1918. He is buried at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme, France.
Article published 2nd October 1918 in the Newark Advertiser :- Only son of Mr & Mrs H. Poynton, 10 St. Marks Lane, Newark. Would have been 21 years of age in November. A native of Ashby-de-la-Zouch and educated there and at Burton-on-Trent. Following this he was apprenticed to the moulding trade at Leicester and afterwards entered the employment of Messrs. T. & W. Bradley at the Wellington Foundry, Northgate, Newark. He remained with them up to the time of his enlistment in the Leicester Regiment. About a month ago he was home for a short furlough and then crossed to France. Killed at the same time as Pte A.V. Page and the Jarman cousins. Attended Christ Church Sunday School right up to the time he entered the army. An exceptionally quiet and thoughtful lad, with a clean character.
