TERRY Henry, Private 7131 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
A random and spur of the moment task to research Henry TERRY…
H.M. TERRY, Private in the Leicestershire Regiment as listed on the Cadbury Bros. Ltd. Roll of Honour, produced in the Birmingham City Battalions Book of Honour 1920 p257
Henry TERRY was born to Henry and Eliza Terry sometime in 1886. The family, around that time, certainly up to 1883, were living at 5 Sherbourne Grove, Sherborne Road, Aston Birmingham.
Henry had at least 2 sisters, Mary Jane and Louisa; although Louisa isn’t around at the family home in Hughenden Drive, Aylestone, Leicester in 1891. At this time, it is suggested that all the family were born in Birmingham.
By 1901, Henry was 15 years old and had left the family home. Although still in the Aylestone area, he was now living ‘in house’ as a ‘Server’ at 84 Lansdowne Road. It is during this time that it is suggested that he was born in the Leicester area. Henry takes this idea of being born in Leicester into his Army career as they suggest Aylestone, Leicester. Maybe Henry left Birmingham at a very young age and only ever knew living in Aylestone, believing he was born there.
Henry joins the Army
We know that Henry Joined the Leicestershire Regiment, with the Regimental number 7131, at the Leicester Depot sometime between February 1903 and September 1904. It is thought that his enlistment is likely to be around or after April 1904, due to his signed 7 years length of service for the Regular Army. In 1911, he is known to be serving in the 2nd Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment. They were stationed at Fort St. George in Madras, India.
Sometime during 1911, Henry would have returned to England and left the Regular Army. Joining the Army Reserve for 5 years; as part of his 12 year service.
Henry loves Chocolate
We know Henry found employment at Cadbury Bros. Ltd., Bournville, just outside of Birmingham and may have lived at the Bournville village. When Britain declared War on Germany on the 4th August 1914, Henry was still with the Army Reserve so, as such, would have been sent a letter to mobilize.
The 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment were still in India and the 1st Battalion were in Ireland. Both were heading for the Western Front but as the 1st Battalion received orders to mobilize on the 4th August and would reach France before the 2nd Battalion who received mobilization orders on the 7th August the 1st Battalion took many from the Army Reserve. Henry was one of them! He could have joined up with the Battalion, either in Ireland or England, but it is sure he embarked with them on the 9 September 1914; arriving at St. Nazaire on the 10th.
Killed in Action
Henry was, one of two soldiers, reported to have been Killed in Action on the 18th November 1914. The Battalion Histories and Diaries suggests that they had a monotonous month in and out of the Trenches. Either at Porte Egale Farm, Rue de Petillon – Rouges Bancs, Touquet – Flamengrie Farm or the Rue du Bois – Grande Flamanderie Lines.
On the day of his death, the Battalion had been two days in the line at Touquet – Flamengrie, South West of Armentieres. His body was never recovered and his name can be found on the Ploegteert Memorial, Panel 4. Belgium
His comrade who died with him on that day is also commemorated on the Ploegteert Memorial.
Sources :
1. UK Census 1891 (Leicestershire Aylestone District 1 p6)
2. UK Census 1901 (Leicestershire formerly Aylestone District 4 p14)
3. UK Census 1911 (military All India p 2263)
4. UK Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 (1914-15 Aldershot Lichfield London York 144501-146500 p283 (widow Sarah Ann)
5. Army Service Numbers Army Service Numbers 1881-1918: The Leicestershire Regiment – 1st & 2nd Battalions
6. Long Long Trail Welcome – The Long, Long Trail (longlongtrail.co.uk) (various)
7. Soldiers Died in the Great War Vol 22
8. England and Wales Registration Marriage Index 1916-2005 1918 Q3 T p25
9. Service Medal and Awards Roll 14 Star Leicestershire Regiment Piece 2438 p100