Harry IREDALE

18 February 1916

IREDALE – Killed in action in France, February 11th, Pte. Harry Iredale, of Earby.

18 February 1916

EARBY SOLDIER KILLED

The sad news of the death, on February 11th, of another Earby soldier was received on Wednesday morning, referring to Pte. Harry Iredale, of the 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment. Deceased, who was only 19 years of age, was the only son of Mrs. Iredale, Colne Road, and grandson of the late P.C. Iredale, of Earby. He joined the Army in September, 1914, and had been in France about six months. Before enlisting he was employed as a weaver at Messrs. J. S. Watson and Sons, Albion Shed.

The sad news was contained in the following letter from Pte. M. Beaumont, a stretcher-bearer in the ‘A’ Company:–

February 12th, 1916.
“Just a few lines to convey to you the sad news of your son’s death, which I am sure will be a terrible shock and loss to you. I was one of the stretcher bearers who helped to carry him to the dressing station, where his wound was quickly attended to. I will try to give you the details as near as I can. He was getting up on to the fire step when he was struck by a bullet in the head. Seeing he was in the same platoon to which I belonged, I thought it my duty to express our sympathy with you. I am sure he will be missed, for he was a true soldier and friend to all who knew him. The platoon sergeant carried him on his back to the communication trench, and then we carried him forward to the dressing station. From the time he was hit, about 6 in the morning of the 8th inst., until reaching the hospital there was no time lost. Along with the section I again express our deepest sympathy with you in your loss.

"Yours sincerely, PTE. M. BEAUMONT, Stretcher bearer.”

25 February 1916

LETTERS FROM THE FRONT – A PATHETIC REMINDER

Pathetic interest attaches to the following letter, written only three days before he was mortally wounded, from Pte. H. Iredale of the 10th Battalion Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, whose death at the age of 19 years was recorded last week:–

5th February, 1916

“Dear Mr. Bartley, – I received the parcel about a fortnight ago, but as several of the lads have not yet received their parcels I thought I would defer writing. We do very well for clothes and socks, and as a rule we have a bath and change of underclothing every five days, so that socks and comforts from home are hardly necessary. We all do very well for food, though it is plain, but we can hardly expect anything else out there, so we have to rely on the parcels sent from home. The weather is gradually changing for the better, and, I suppose, harder fighting. Our regiment has been out here nearly six months now so we are expecting the usual month’s rest, and probably a pass. We received a parcel for Pte. Greenwood, who is in hospital, but as men in hospital are not allowed parcels we divided it amongst the lads. We have not much time to spare in the trenches, so I shall have to bring this letter to a close, again thanking you for the most welcome parcel.

"I remain, yours sincerely, H. IREDALE.”

09 February 1917

IREDALE – In loving memory of Pte. H. Iredale, Colne Road, Earby, killed February 8th, 1916.

He answered his Country’s call,
And died for one and all.

Mother

IREDALE – In loving memory of Pte. H. Iredale, killed February 8th, 1916.

May his reward be as great as his sacrifice.

From his Aunt, Westfield House, Earby.

08 February 1918

IREDALE – In loving memory of Private H. Iredale, Colne Road, Earby, killed February 8th, 1916.

“To memory ever dear.”

Mother.

07 February 1919

IREDALE – In loving memory of my dear son, Private H. Iredale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s, who was killed near Bailleul, February 8th, 1916.

Mother.

06 February 1920

IREDALE – In loving memory of Private H. Iredale, laid to rest near Bailleul, February 8th, 1916.

“Too dear to memory to be forgot.”

R.I.P. – Mother.

11 February 1921

IREDALE – In loving memory of Private Harry Iredale, 10th Duke of Wellington’s, laid to rest at Bailleul, Feb. 8th, 1916. – R.I.P.

Mother.