Clements, Harold Christopher

Harold Christopher was the 3^rd son of Herbert and Annie Maria (nee Reynolds) Clements born in Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 25 December 1895. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.

Harold enlisted with the 1^st Bedfordshire Regiment on 30 December 1912, Regimental Number 6756. At the outbreak of the War he was mobilised to the Western Front, France where he saw considerable service. He was wounded twice, first in the head on 3 July 1915 and later a gunshot wound to the arm. After his recovery in England he joined the Machine Gun Corps, Regimental Number 56474 and was sent to Egypt. Harold survived the War.

Harold was awarded The 1915 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

He is commemorated on the St Mary’s Church Ashwell Roll of Honour.

Harold married Mabel Laura Rowland at Harwich, Essex in the 2^nd quarter of 1919. They had three children, Georgina Winifred May born 20, Edward H C born 1922 and William Rowland born 1928. Mabel died in March 1938.

Harold then married Alexandra Maud Ostler in the 2^nd quarter of 1942. It is not known if they had children.

The 1939 census shows Harold living in Harwich, a dock porter. Harold died at Dovercourt, Harwich, Essex on 15 February 1979.

Harold’s brothers, Charles William and Herbert George, served during the War and both survived.