The Fallen of Harlow in WW1: Harry Bird

THE short life of Harlow resident, Harry Bird, as read out by David Baker.

This project has been supported by the Harlow Council Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

All the films can be seen on our channel

http://www.yourharlow.com/category/history/ww1-the-fallen/

Harry’s parents were Henry Edward Bird, born in Standon in 18741 and Maria Ann Knight born in Bishop’s Stortford in 18752. Henry and Maria married in Bishop’s Stortford in 18973 and Harry Edward Bird was born in Edmonton in 18994.

The 1891 census shows Henry living with his parents and siblings Frederick and Alice in Standon Street, Hertfordshire. Henry, father John and brother Frederick were working as agricultural labourers. The 1901 census shows Henry living in Brookfield Lane, Cheshunt with his wife Maria Ann and children Beatrice, Harry and Herbert. The 1911 census shows Henry and his wife and children living on the Hobbs Cross Road, Harlow. Henry was working as a gardener. Harry married Maria Ann Knight in Bishops Stortford in 1897.

Lance Corporal Harry Bird, 41365, enlisted at Banbury in the 1st Battalion of The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry which was formerly 8/10756 Training Reserve Battalion. The Battalion fought in The Battle of Arras and The Battle of Ypres before going to Italy then back to France in April 1918. Harry was killed in action on the first day of The Battle of Bapaume on 31 August 1918, aged 44. He is commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial to the Missing, France. Panel 6. Register Index Number Mr16.