Harold Rollason
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Son of John Thomas and Sarah Rollason, of Ilkeston, Derbyshire (CWGC). 1901 census: John and Sarah are living at 5 Russell Street, Dudley, with their children Benjamin (15), Francis F (15), Alice Victoria (13), Harold (9), Charles Henry (7) and Gwendoline (4). 1911 census: 140 Nottingham Road, Ilkeston: John Thomas and Sarah with Alice Victoria (23), Harold (19, elementary school teacher), Charles Henry (17), Gwendoline Marie (14), Reginald Wilfred (9), Howard Dudley (5), Madeline Vivien (1). Census gives the information that his parents had had 12 children born alive of whom nine survived. His brother, Charles, also served: 2nd Lieut Charles Henry Rollason, Sherwood Foresters (N&D) 16th Bn, died of wounds 6 April 1918, buried St Sever Cemetery, Rouen (parents' address on CWGC record given as 23 Kirkby Avenue, Ilkeston).
Enlisted 4 August 1914 from Territorial Camp in July/August. Private 2178 Notts and Derbys Rgt (Robin Hoods 1/7th Bn), transferred Royal Engineers (Medal Roll). To Western Front 26 February 1915. Prisoner of war 27 May 1918 and died in captivity (see details under 'Extra Information'). He is buried in Glageon Communal Cemetery Extension (grave ref I.J.9).
Listed in Nottinghamshire County Council register of employees who served (Nottinghamshire Archives ref CC CL 2/12/1/1). Record completed by his father, John Thomas Rollason, who added the following details: 'Taken prisoner May 27/18 and kept back from any registered camp at work until he could not do any more and one of the German guards came up to him and struck him on the back of the head causing concussion from which he died. I have this evidence sworn before the M.O.C. of Altrincham Hospital Manchester given by Mr J B (-) who saw the blow struck and has given (-) the name of the man that did it and the Reg he was in. Could you advise me what course of action I could take. I should like this man brought before a court of justice.' No record in the register of a response to this. Stapleford Church Street Boys' School Log, 1915-1940 (Nottinghamshire Archives SL156 2/3): Entry at front of Log (teacher details) - 'Harold Rollason commenced May 1st 1913, 12/1496 No[ttingham] College, b, 31 January 1892, Hall Croft School (?Shipley) and Cotmanhay. Left for War Service July 1914 Territorial Camp August – continued in training camp. Died in Prison Camp 1918.' Entry in log dated July 3rd 1916 - 'Mr H Rollason has been transferred to the Wireless Division.' Nottinghamshire County Council Education Committee Elementary 29 April 1919, 'Death of a Teacher while a Prisoner of War': 'The Committee regret to report the death in Germany, while a Prisoner of War, of Lance Corporal H Rollason, a certificated master on the staff of the Stapleford Boys’ School. The late Lance Corporal Rollason joined the Colours on 20th September 1914. The Committee have sent a suitable letter of sympathy to the relatives.' Also commemorated on Ilkeston war memorial as H Rolleston (sic)
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