Name
Ernest Sylvester Harris
15 Jun 1892
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
01/08/1917
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
18614
Bedfordshire Regiment
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Panel 31 and 33
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
No Report
UK & Other Memorials
Harpenden Town Memorial,
Chapel War Memorial (now in Methodist Church), Kinsbourne Green,
Church of St Nicholas Memorial, Harpenden,
Luton Hoo Memorial, Bedfordshire
Pre War
Ernest Sylvester was born on 15 Jun 1892 in East Hyde, Luton to John, a shepherd, and Annie (nee Hunt). The family were living at Fiddlers Hill cottages, Kinsbourne Green, East Hyde Luton. There would be 10 children.
In 1911 was a farm labourer. Ernest worked on Home Farm on Luton Hoo Estate.,
Wartime Service
Ernest joined the 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment as Private 18614.
He went to France in Sep 1915. 2nd Bedfordshires took part in many of the great battles of the Great War but at Pilckem Ridge on 1 Aug 1917 Ernest was hit by a shell. Although originally recorded as Missing, Wounded his death was presumed.
His remains were not recovered and he is remembered on the Menin Gate, Ypres.
Additional Information
War Gratuity of 11 10s and arrears of £10 11s 8d was paid to his mother.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Gareth Hughes, Felicity Brimblecombe, Mary Skinner, Harpenden & District Local History Society (www.harpenden-history.org.uk)
