HENRY RICHARD BIRD 

Harry Bird was born in Birkenhead, in 1899, the son of Harry Bird, and Kate (Catherine) Bird. His father had been born in Dover, Kent, in 1866, and his mother was born in 1865, in Birkenhead. The couple married in 1887, and went on to have 8 children, but 3 of these died. In 1901, Harry and Kate Bird were living at 59, Watson Street, Birkenhead, with 3 of their 5 surviving children, and 4 boarders: Agnes Bird (born in 1894); Sarah Bird (born in 1895); Harry Bird (born in 1899); George Revill (born in 1863); Harry Revill (born in 1871); John Revill (born in 1874); and William Morris (born in 1871). Harry Bird and the 4 boarders were all General Labourers.  His father had died on 19th August 1910. By 1911 Kate (Catherine) Bird was living at 40, George Street, Birkenhead, with her daughter and 2 sons’: Sarah Therisa Bird; Henry Richard Bird; and Joseph Lawrence Bird. Her two sons were still at school. By 1917, they had moved to 97, St. Anne Street, Birkenhead.

 

On 14th September 1916, Harry Bird initially enlisted at Birkenhead, and at his medical was recorded as being 5ft 2 ½ in tall; with a fully expanded chest of 34 in, ans weighing 112lbs. At his enlistment, he gave his trade as being a Labourer. Harry Bird was transferred to the Army Reserve on the same day, but was mobilized on 21st March 1917, and posted to the 2nd/1st Yeomanry Cyclists (No.290674). On 26th March 1917 and 5th April 1917, Private Bird was inoculated and received his vaccination on 11th April 1917. On 16th January 1918, Private Bird was awarded 14 days detention by his Commanding Officer for being found asleep on his post whilst sentry on the main guard, and was sent to detention barracks at Chelmsford, on 18th January 1918. He returned to duty on 30th January 1918, and was granted leave home, from 9th – 14th March 1917. Private Bird was sent to France, on or about 14th April 1918, and posted to the 1st/6th Bn Welsh Regiment (No.73465), at Etaples, but was subsequently transferred to the 1st/6th Bn Durham Light Infantry (No. 91662) on 19th April 1918. After joining his battalion, Private Bird was reported as being “missing” between 27th – 30th May 1918, near Concevreux, near the River Aisne, but was later confirmed as being a prisoner of war at Niederjeutz, France. He was sent to hospital there, with burns to one of his legs. Private Bird died as a result of these burns, on 2nd June 1918, and was buried in Grave 126, Yutzest Old Cemetery, France. However, he had not originally been buried there. Private Bird’s mother had received a letter from No.1 Infantry Record Office, York, on 19th March 1920, stating:

 

 

“Madam,

 

I beg to inform you that it has been necessary to exhume the remains of the late No.91662 Private H. Bird, 1st/6th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, for proper burial at Basse-Yutz Communal Cemetery, 1 mile north east of Thionville, Lorraine.

The new grave has been duly marked with a cross bearing all the late soldier’s particulars.

 The removal was undertaken with every measure of care and reverence, and the re-internment conducted by an Army Chaplain.”

 

His medal entitlement consisted of Memorial Plaque, British War Medal, and Victory Medal.




Family application form requesting Harry to be added to the Birkenhead War Memorial.


Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.