Harry Griffin (1896–1915)

Private

The Kings (Liverpool Regiment) 28257 1st Battalion

Derbyshire Times, 20 November 1915


Harry Griffin newspaper photograph

Biography
Harry was born in 1896 at Whatstandwell; his parents were Harry and Mary Griffin. Harry and his father were prize-winning poultry breeders. For a short time he worked at Lea Mills before moving to the steam joinery works of Yelverton Dawbarn Brothers. The family moved to New Mills prior to the war (previously, he had served as a territorial). He married in Lizzie Tebb in 1915 and entered France soon after. He was wounded and died from his injuries on 27th September 1915. He is buried in Cambrin Military Cemetery, France, and is remembered on the war memorial at New Mills.

Medal Index Record
He was awarded the Victory, British War and 15 Star Medals.

Newspaper report

Derbyshire Times, 20th November 1915
WHATSTANDWELL NATIVE KILLED
Private Harry Griffin, 1st Kings Liverpools, a son of Mr and Mrs H. Griffin, of New Mills, and formerly of Whatstandwell was killed during the great advance in September. The information was contained in the following letter from Second Lieutenant J.R. Swallow, 1st Liverpools dated November 4th :- "Dear Madam, – In reply to your letter it is my sad duty to inform you that Private H. Griffin 28257 died on September 27th. I am pleased to be able to tell you that your son met an honourable death in action on that day. He received a severe wound in the side, and was able to make his way unaided to the dressing station, but here he died in the doctor's arms. Your son received a Christian burial, and his last resting place is marked with a wooden cross. He has met the fate which has been meted out to thousands of other brave men in this terrible war, and I offer you what consolation I can – I am, yours truly, J.P. Swallow"

Private Griffin, who was 29 years of age, was born at Whatstandwell, and educated at the Lea Board School, Holloway. Subsequently he started work at the steam joinery works of Yelverton Dawbarn Bros., and held a position there until he removed to New Mills. Both the deceased and his father were well known in the Matlock district as poultry breeders, and they carried off many prizes with their noted Wyandottes. He had completed a course of training in the Territorials before the War, but re-enlisted and went to the Front in May. He was married a week before going abroad, his wife being a native of Newton, Tibshelf

 

Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Name GRIFFIN Harry
Initials H
Nationality United Kingdom
Rank Private
Regiment/Service The Kings (Liverpool Regiment)
Unit 1st Bn.
Date of Death 27/09/15
Service No 28257
Casualty type Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference D. 13. I.
Cemetery CAMBRIN MILITARY CEMETERY

War Graves Certificate for Haryy Griffin in WW1

Harry Griffin is remembered on the New Mills War Memorial

www.warmemorialsonline.org.uk/memorial/228230

New Mills war memorial

Soldiers' Effects Book
Harry Griffen [sic] ; 1st Bn Liverpool Regt; Private 18257; killed in action 27.9.15; War Gratuity £3 10s 0d; paid out o:
14.1.16 widow Lizzie £1 14s 6d
6.9.19 widow Lizzie £1 15s 0d
6.9.19 mother H Griffin £1 15s 0d

CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: Robin Hood, Whatstandwell

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Henry Griffin Head 42 Woodworker Chaddesley, Worcester
Mary Griffin wife 44   Stourbridge
Ada Griffin daughter 16 Mill hand hosiery South Tottenham
Harry Griffin son 15 Factory hand hosiery Whatstandwell
Albert E Griffin son 13 Factory hand hosiery Whatstandwell
Florrie Griffin daughter 11 School Whatstandwell

RG13 piece 3231 folio 53 page 26

1911: New Mills

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Harry Griffin Head 51 Drug man Kidderminster
Mary Griffin wife 53   Stourbridge
Frank Griffin son 28 Print shop worker London
Ada Griffin daughter (married) 26 Housewife London
Harry Griffin son 24 Print shop worker Whatstandwell
Albert Griffin son 22 Print shop worker Whatstandwell
Florrie Griffin daughter 20 Print shop worker Whatstandwell
Edith Griffin daughter 18 Print shop worker Whatstandwell
Reggie Griffin nephew 20 Print shop worker Worcester

RG14PN21303 RG78PN1267 RD442 SD1 ED15 SN13