THE SHORT LIFE OF James Bayford as read out by Harlow Council’s Lisa Thornett.

Thank you to Harlow Council’s Civic Fund and HTS Ltd for supporting this project.

Never Forget.

Henry and James’ mother was Helen Bayford, who was born in Harlow in 18521. She was known as Ellen throughout her life. Ellen never married. She had four children, including James Bayford, who was born in Harlow in 18772 and Henry George Bayford who was born in Harlow in 18783. The parish register named George Challis as Henry’s father.

The 1881 census shows George, aged two, residing in Back Street, Harlow with his grandparents James and Emma Bayford. The 1891 census shows George living with his mother and siblings James and Lily in Back Street, Harlow. Ellen was working as a needlewoman. The 1901 census records George and James living with their mother and siblings Lily and William in Back Street, Harlow. George was working as a bricklayer’s labourer whilst his mother Ellen was listed as a domestic housekeeper. George and James’ mother Ellen died in Harlow in the June quarter of 1908 aged 564.

The 1911 census shows George boarding at 10 Lower Garden Terrace, Harlow and working as a labourer, whilst James was living in Back Street, Harlow with his Aunt and Uncle, John and Eliza Trundle. James was working as a domestic groom.

Private James Bayford, 26755, served with The 13th Battalion of The Essex Regiment. James was killed in action on 28th April 1917, aged 29. James is commemorated on The Arras Memorial to the Missing, France. Bay 7. Register Index Number MR20.