Name
Harry Pollard
Circa 1894
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
30/10/1917
23
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Private
25299
Bedfordshire Regiment
4th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
TYNE COT MEMORIAL
Panel 48 to 50 and 162A.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
NA
UK & Other Memorials
Letchworth Town Memorial, Not on the Hitchin memorials
Pre War
Harry was born around 1894 in Hitchin and baptised on 11 July 1896 in Holy Savior Church, Hitchin. His parents were Harry and Ada Pollard (née Steeley), and they married in 1892.
In 1901 the family were living at 3 Trevor Road, Hitchin. Present were both parents: Harry (39) and Ada (34), Harry was working as a plasterer. Their children were: Arthur Henry (7), Harry (6), Clara (4) and Ada (1). All recorded as born in Hitchin.
By 1911 the family were living at 36 Lytton Avenue, Letchworth, Herts. Present were both parents, Harry still a plasterer now working as a. The census recorded they had been married for 19 years with 8 children, of whom 2 had died. Of the above were present with Harry (junior), now 16, working as an upholstery’s assistant. They had also been joined by Robert (8) and Frederick (3).
The Soldiers Died In The Great War database records that he was born in Hitchin and was living in Letchworth when he enlisted in Hitchin.
Wartime Service
At present we know little of Harry’s war. The lack of any sort of ‘Star’ recorded on his medals card, means that he did not go abroad un after the start of 1916.
He was wounded on 29 November 1917, severely enough to receive a "Wound Stripe" as authorised under Army Order 204 of 6th July 1916.
He was recorded as missing in action on 30 October 1917 and then on 22 December his death was presumed as on or since that date.
The battalion were in the front line about 1 ¼ miles south-east of Poelcappelle and the war diary for the 30th reads: “BATT. Attacked at 5:50 am. 7th R.F. (Royal Fusiliers) on left, Artists Rifles on right. Canadian Corps on right of Artists. Canadian attack was successful, but our attack was held up by very heavy and boggy ground surrounding the Paddebeek and a total advance of about 150 - 200 yards only was made.” It went on to list the casualties as Officers killed 2, wounded 7, ORs killed 52, wounded 150, missing 23. Harry was one of the latter.
Additional Information
After his death £4 6s 4d pay owing was authorised to go to his father, Harry, on 2 December 1918. Later a war gratuity of £8 was authorised to be paid to on 20 November 1919.
His pension cards record Mrs Ada Pollard as his mother and his dependant, living at 36 Lytton Avenue, Letchworth. She was awarded a pension of 4s 6d a week from 9 July 1918, which was raised to 5S from 6 November 1918.
His brother, Arthur, was badly wounded. France July 1916.
Acknowledgments
Dan Hill, Janet Capstick, Jonty Wild
