Name
Harold Mainwood
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
290114
Middlesex Regiment
10th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
Harold Mainwood was born at Abbots Langley in January 1894. He was one of eight children (six sons and two daughters) born to Francis and Emily Mainwood. The family was recorded living in Abbots Road, Abbots Langley, in the 1891 and 1901 Census, and Francis worked as a Plumber. He had previously worked as a House Painter when Harold was born. By the time of the 1911 Census, Harold had moved to Rose Cottage, Bricket Wood, where he lived with his grand-mother.
Harold joined the Territorial Force and attested with the 10th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment on 21st October 1912, whilst he was studying at St Mark’s College at Chelsea. He had undertaken a Medical Examination on 17th October which had taken place at the College. He gave his occupation as a Teacher, and recorded his Next of Kin as his Father, Francis Mainwood, who by this time was living at 58 Brighton Road, Watford. Harold joined the 10th Middlesex for training, and in 1913 attended their annual Training Camp. When War broke out on 4th August 1914 Harold was mobilised to the 10th Middlesex on the next day.
The Abbots Langley Parish Magazine Roll of Honour first recorded Harold in September 1914, serving with the 10th Middlesex, and continued to list him with this unit throughout the War. Harold was transferred to the 2/10th Middlesex on 28th October 1914, and remained at Home as he was still a member of the Territorial Forces, and not eligible to serve abroad under the terms of his service. On 15th June 1915 Harold was briefly posted to the 63rd Provisional Battalion before being transferred to 3/10th Middlesex on 3rd August 1915.
On 3rd February 1916 Harold signed the Imperial and General Service Obligation, which made him eligible to serve outside the UK, and on 28th June was vaccinated and inoculated in preparation for going abroad.
Harold departed for India on 22nd August 1916, and remained there until 6th February 1919. Between 7th February and 6th March 1919 Harold travelled back to England, arriving on 7th March. His Statement of Disability Form, completed on 10th March, confirmed that he was serving with the 1/10th Middlesex, and would return to Corsham House, Chesterfield Road, Middlesex when he was demobilised. Harold was demobilised on 5th April 1919.
Harold Mainwood survived the Great War, as did his elder brother William.
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
