Harold's Story.
Born 8 March 1895 at Ollerton, son of gardener, Thomas and Agnes, (nee, Harrop), Bebbington.
The 1901 census records, he had four sisters, Beatrice, Edna, Ella and Hilda, Harold was the third child.
Harold married Gertrude Holland at Great Budworth, Cheshire, on the 4 November 1915; they set up home at 15, Middle Walk, Knutsford. When he enlisted, he gave an address of c/o, Mr Clarkson, Shaw Heath, Knutsford.
Harold attested 08/12/1915; he was then place on Reserve. His army medical records show him to have been a man of five feet eight and a quarter inches tall with a chest measurement of thirty five inches; he gave his religion as Wesleyan. On the 24/05/1916 he was mobilised, and after training, he was posted, 08/06/1916, to the R.G.A. 33, Western Forte, Isle of Wight. A further posting came when he was transferred to the Inner Defences, Portsmouth, on the 9 December 1916.
On the 25th May 1917, Harold was discharged from the army, Para 392 xvi K.R’s (sickness), his pension papers show he suffered with severe deafness, caused by an infection.
He did not serve overseas. Harold died, Friday, 31 January 1919; at St Dunstan’s Military Hospital, Ilkley, Yorkshire, having contracted meningitis whilst stationed at Cosham, from which he never recovered. He was issued the Silver War Badge, Number, 177969.
His parents were living at Oakenhurst, Ollerton, Knutsford.
Gunner Harold Bebbington is buried at All Saints Churchyard, Marthall, Knutsford. C.W.G.C. Ref: - North of Church.
Researched by H.A.G Carlisle.