THE short life of Harlow resident, Gerard Hoare as read by Old Harlow councillor, Joel Charles.

This project is brought to you by Harlow Council Civic Fund and HTS Ltd.

Never Forget.

Gerard’s parents were Geoffrey De Mountenay G Hoare, born in Godstone, Surrey in 18711 and Joyce Margaret Page Croft, born in Ware, Hertfordshire in 18702. His father was a wealthy commodities broker, a JP and rode in several hunts, sometimes as Master of Fox Hounds. Geoffrey and Joyce married in Ware, Hertfordshire in the spring of 18983. The family moved to Meadham, on the corner of Churchgate Street and Sheering Road in 1898. Gerard Hoare was born in Harlow in 18994.

The 1901 census shows Gerard residing in Harlow aged two in the care of domestic staff in Piper House, in the household of Henry Johnson, a solicitor and his family. The census shows Gerard’s parents residing in Chelmsford

Geoffrey’s brother where he was working as a general merchant. The 1911 census shows Gerard as a pupil at St Peter’s Court, Broadstairs, Kent. His parents were residing in Harlow where Geoffrey was working as a produce broker.

Gerard left school in the summer of 1917 and on 8 August joined The 9th Officers Training Battalion in Scotland. He was gazetted the following December as a 2nd Lieutenant in The 2nd Battalion of The Rifle Brigade (The Prince Consort’s Own).

Gerard Croft Hoare served in the trenches from 9 April 1918. On 27 May 1918, The 3rd Battle of the Aisne began, the Allied Forces were overwhelmed. The Battalion was almost wiped out and Gerard was seriously wounded whilst retreating. He was evacuated to the Officers Convalescent Hospital in Bournemouth. A complete recovery was expected but Gerard suffered from Septic poisoning and died on 1 August 1918. Gerard is buried in Harlow in St Mary and St Hugh’s Churchyard, in old ground near the North boundary. Register Index Number UK Essex 167.