Name
Harry Jordan
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
20/09/1917
21
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Rifleman
372518
London Regiment *2
2nd/8th (City of London) Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL
Panel 54.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Watford Post Office Memorial (*1), Rickmansworth Urban District Memorial, St. Peter's C & E Primary School Memorial, Mill End, Oddfellows Memorial, Rickmansworth
Pre War
Harry Jordan was born in 1896 at Drayton Ford, Mill End, the son of Thomas and Emily Elizabeth (nee Oxborough) Jordan.
His parents married 7 November 1891 at St Peter’s, Mill End, Herts. Thomas died 20 April 1936 in Rickmansworth aged 71; Emily died 26 November 1946 in Rickmansworth aged 76.
In 1901 the family was still living at Drayton Ford including Harry (5) and three siblings. His father was a labourer at the waterworks. in 1911, still at Drayton Ford, he was working as a messenger boy. Then in 1912 he was appointed Assistant Postman, Watford and in 1915 he was promoted to Postman, Watford.
Recorded as born in Rickmansworth and was living there when he enlisted in Watford.
Wartime Service
He enlisted in Watford, and was formerly Private 5164 8th Battalion London Regiment.
Harry’s battalion formed part of the 174th (2/2nd London) Brigade and 58th London Division.
They moved to France early in 1917 and became involved in the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele).
On 20th September they attacked during the struggle for the Menin Road ridge. In spite of being hindered by the rain, greasy duckboards and hostile shelling, the battalion achieved its objectives. However, there were 232 casualties including 64 killed and 36 missing. Harry Jordan was killed in action.
He was entitled to the Victory and British War medals, and was killed in action.
Additional Information
*1 He appears under the Rickmansworth section of the Watford Post Office memorial. There is an article about Harry in the West Herts and Watford Observer dated 3 November 1917. After his death the army paid his mother Emily £13 12s 0d including a war gratuity of £7.
*2 More correctly (City of London) Bn. London Regiment (Post Office Rifles).
Acknowledgments
Malcolm Lennox, Mike Collins, Sue Carter (Research) and Watford Museum (ROH on line via www.ourwatfordhistory.org.uk)
