Harold Arthur Haslam (1894–1958)

Private

Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derbys Regiment) 20037 1/8th Batallion
Labour Corps 402853  

Photo courtesy Elizabeth Griffiths (Lea Mills postcard)

Harold Arthur Haslam

Biography
Simon Johnson, with thanks to Raymond Haslam
Harold Arthur Haslam was born at Crich in 1894. He was the second of three sons born to Arthur Haslam and Mary Elizabeth Holmes. Harold was raised at Crich where both he and his younger brother Roy played football for local teams. Prior to his military service during the war, he had been employed as a factory hand at Lea Mills.

Harold's army service records have not survived. It is known from the John Smedley Archive at Lea Mills that he joined the army on 29 October 1915, and served with the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) with the rank of Private. An inscribed bracelet in the possession of one of Harold's children confirms that at some point he served in the 1/8th Battalion, assigned to the 46th (North Midland) Division.

Courtesy Raymond Haslam

WW1 bracelet of Harold Haslam

It is known that he saw active service in France. In March 1917 Harold wrote to Lea Mills to acknowledge receipt of a parcel; he stated that he had recently been released from a spell in hospital in France. He was later transferred to the Labour Corps. Harold was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

After his discharge from the army, Harold returned to Crich and – following a brief first marriage – had moved to live at Heanor by the early 1930s and was married to Ada Holmes in 1934, with whom he had a son and two daughters, and also inherited a stepson. Whilst at Heanor, Harold worked at the factory of I and R Morley Ltd, hosiery manufacturers. He also spent periods working at Ormonde Colliery at Loscoe, and in the workshops at Moorgreen Colliery.

Harold Arthur Haslam passed away at Heanor on 6 April 1958, aged sixty-four years.

Harold's brother Roy Edgar Haslam is also included on the Roll of Honour, as are their cousins Wilfred Haslam, John (Jack) Haslam, George Haslam, and James Edgar Holmes. Harold's stepfather Henry (Harry) Cauldwell is also included on the Roll, and was the first man from the parish of Crich to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the First World War.

Lea Mills archive
He received parcels from Lea Mills and acknowledged their receipt. After the war he returned to work in the Mill.

10 March 1917
No. 1 Camp c/o A.P.O. Base Details, B.E.F. France
Dear Sir
I now take the pleasure of writing these few lines, thanking you very much for your parcel
which I have received quite safe. I am pleased to say I am out of Hospital and getting on well. I
have seen several of your workmen, who wish to be remembered to you: namely Sergt. Walton,
Pte Ellis and L/Cpl Oxspring who are still doing their bit towards victory. Wishing you and the
Firm every success and a speedy return to England, again thanking you for your gracious gift.
I remain Yours Sincerely
Dr. H Haslam

8th Sept. 1917
Dear Sir
I received your parcel and its contents quite safe, thanking you and all my colleagues for the
same. Trusting that you are all in good health, as it leaves me the same. I am looking forward
to coming home shortly when I shall be able to thank you personally for your kindness to me
whilst in France.
I remain Yours Sincerely
HA Haslam

Medal Roll Index Card
He was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.

Harold Haslam's brother Roy Haslam is also on the Roll of Honour.


CENSUS INFORMATION

1901: The Hilts, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Mary E Haslam Head (wdw) 30 Charwoman Crich
Murice Haslam son 7   Crich
Harold Haslam son 5   Crich
Roy Haslam son 3   Crich

RG13 piece 3231 folio 21 page 34

1911: Market Place, Crich

Forename Surname Relationship Age Occupation Where born
Mary Elizabeth Haslam Head (wdw) 40   Crich
Samuel Maurice Haslam son 18 Coal miner Crich
Harold Arthur Haslam son 16 Cotton factory hand Crich
Roy Edgar Haslam son 13 Coal miner hewer Crich

RG14PN20983 RG78PN1251 RD436 SD4 ED12 SN13

1918 Crich voters
Harold Haslam, Near Church; absent on military service

1939 Register: Fairview, Heanor
Harold S HASLOM 9 October 1894; hosiery frame worker
Ada Haslom b 7 September 1907