Harry Dewey
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Harry was the only son of Gilbert Joseph (Joseph) Dewey and Clara Dewey (nee Foster). Gilbert was born in 1867 (O/N/D Basford), the son of Joseph and Mary Dewey. Clara was born in Leicester. Gilbert and Clara were married in 1894 (A/M/J Basford) and had three children who were all born in Beeston: Harry b. 1895 (J/F/M Basford), Eveline Eleanor b. 1899 (J/A/S Basford) and Dora b. 1903 (O/N/D Basford). In 1901 Gilbert (33) and Clara (29) were living at 54 High Road, Beeston, with their two children, Harry (6) and Eveline (1). Gilbert was a butcher on his own account. The third child, Dora, was born in 1903 but her parents probably separated some time before 1911 as by the time of the census Clara and her three children were living at 88 High Street, Beeston, but Gilbert was not in the household on the night of the census. Clara, who completed the census, described herself as 'married' (18 years) but she was now a butcher (beef) and listed as an employer. Harry (16) was a butcher's assistant, presumably in his mother's business. Gilbert Joseph Dewey has not been traced on the 1911 UK Census and while Joseph's name was included with Clara's as next of kin when Harry joined the army, his address was given as 'not known'. It is possible that Joseph had emigrated to Canada as there is a record of the death of a Gilbert Joseph Dewey registered in Ontario, Canada (record not accessed). According to Clara's probate record he predeceased his wife. Clara and her two daughters were still living at 88 High Street when Harry was killed in 1916. In July 1919 Clara completed the form for the army which listed his surviving blood relatives; apart from several aunts and uncles she named herself and her daughters, and also Harry's father, 'Joseph', but added 'address not known'. Clara continued to live at 88 High Street until her death at the age of 61 on 5 December 1932. Eveline Eleanor married Francis W English in 1920 (O/N/D Basford) and probably moved to Uxbridge, Middlesex; she was her mother's executor and Clara died in hospital in Uxbridge and her death was registered there.
Formerly 22371 Hussars (UKSDGW). Harry joined the army on 7 September 1914 at the age of 19 years and 242 days. He served at home from 7 September to 20 July 1915 and in France from 21 July 1915 until his death on 8 October 1916. He was admitted to hospital in France in December 1915 suffering from gastritis, rejoining his unit on 9 January 1916. He then was granted leave in the UK from 13 February to 20 February 1916. He again spent a short time in hospital in August 1916. He was appointed unpaid lance corporal on 3 October 1916, five days before his death in action. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 14 A and 14 B.).
Inscription on family headstone, Beeston Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of Clara Dewey who died Dec. 5th 1932 aged 61 years. Also of her dearly beloved son Harry who was killed in action in France October 8th 1916 aged 21 years. Reunited.’ Other face: ‘Also of Charles Foster died Jan. 23rd 1919 aged 83 years.’ Registers of Soldiers' Effects: his mother, Clara, was his sole legatee. Probate: Dewey Clara of 88 High-road Beeston Nottinghamshire widow died 5 December 1932 at the Middlesex County Hospital Uxbridge Middlesex Administration Nottingham 10 January to Evelyn Eleanor English (wife of Francis Wilfred English). Effects £1228. 16s. 2d.
