THE SHORT life of Harlow resident Henry Randall as read by Sarah Randall.

This project was brought to you by HTS Ltd and Harlow Council’s Civic Fund.

Never Forget.

Henry’s parents were John Henry Randall, born in c.1837 and Elizabeth Cave, born in 1846 in West Haddon, Northamptonshire1 and baptised on 31 May 18462. Henry John Frederick Randall was born in Lambeth in 18883. He was known as Henry John Randall throughout his life.

The 1901 census shows Henry residing at 31 Grantham Road, Lambeth with his widowed mother Elizabeth and siblings Charles and Harriet as well as a domestic servant Ellen Smith. The 1911 census shows Henry residing at Chalks Farm, Sawbridgeworth where he was working as a farmer at the age of 22. Henry was residing with his 65-year-old mother, boarder Percy and servant Annie.

Lance Corporal Henry John Frederick Randall enlisted as a Yeomanry volunteer in The 1st/1st Herts Yeomanry on 4 August 1914. Henry later served as a Private, 510010, in The Labour Corps. Henry fought in both Egypt and Gallipoli but returned to England in 1916.

He married Blanche Mabel Bailey and a son was born to them in March 1917. Sadly Blanche died three weeks later and is buried in St. Mary’s, Churchgate Street. Henry was on active service at the time and was later repatriated, sick or wounded. The Labour Corps was set up for men like Henry, who were deemed unfit to fight. He was billeted with a Mrs Broad in Millbank, Headcorn.

Henry died of pneumonia on 23 November 1918 aged 30 and is buried in St Mary and St Hugh’s Churchyard, Harlow, in the new ground, in the far left-hand corner. Register Index Number UK Essex 167.