WW1 Casualty: Private 22547 Henry Byron - Private 22547 Henry Byron
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Prescot Reporter 07/07/1916, Courtesy Ste M
| Unit/Regiment |
11th Bn., King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) |
| Date of Death |
20/06/1916 |
Age at Death |
40 |
Burial/Memorial
& Reference |
Vermelles British Cemetery
IV B 6 |
| Census Details |
1901 Census -
Henry Byron was a 24 year old labourer living at 42, Warrington Road, Prescot along with his wife Mary, aged 21, and their 7 month old daughter Margaret
1911 Census -
The Byron family were still at 42, Warrington Road. Henry (34) and Mary (29) had by now been married for 10 years and had 3 children; Margaret (10), Elizabeth (8) and Eveline (3). |
| Enlisted |
St Helens |
| How Died |
Killed in Action |
Theatre of War |
France & Flanders |
| Research Ref. No. |
P034 |
Service DetailsHenry Byron attested for Military Service on 29th October 1915 in St. Helens. His address is listed as 42 Warrington Road, Prescot. He was 39 years and 5 months old, with an occupation of 'Labourer'. He recorded that he was married.
Henry Byron's entry in the Prescot 1914 Electoral Roll
His Medical Record shows that he was just over 5ft tall, and had a 35-inch chest measurement, expandable by 2 inches. It was noted that he had lost the middle finger from his left hand.
His next of kin was recorded as his wife, Mary, of the same address. They had married on 26th May 1900 in St Helens. Her maiden name is shown as Halsall. Their children are shown as Mary Elizabeth (b, 20th April 1903), Margaret (b. 21st October 1900) and Eveline (b. 29th October 1907).
Henry Byron's service record, showing details of his marriage and his children
An unpaid promotion to Lance Corporal took place on 26th February 1916 whilst in training. There followed a transfer to 11th Battalion on 31st March 1916 after which the promotion to L/Cpl was 'reverted at own request' on 10th April 1916.
Private Byron embarked for France on 3rd June 1916, arriving at Le Havre the following day. He was Killed in Action less than three weeks later.
The Battalion was undergoing trench warfare training and familiarisation in the vicinity of Sailly-Le-Bourse, and although it isn't clear exactly what happened to Pte Byron, the following extracts from the Battalion War Diary report his death.
On 2nd October 1916, the War Office wrote to the Army records Office asking that any personal effects of Pte. Byron be sent to his widow at their home address.
The Register of Soldiers Effects, shown above, record Henry's widow, Mary, as the sole legatee, also showing the amounts paid to her
Mrs. Byron was awarded a pension of 18s 6d (18 shillings and 6 pence) per week in respect of herself and two children on December 28th 1916, the pension to take effect from January 8th 1917.
Mrs. Byron confirmed receipt of her husband's British War Medal on May 3rd, 1921 followed by his Victory Medal on 20th July 1921. The Medal Index Card below (a poor quality scan)shows the medal entitlement.
The Parish Magazine of 22nd July 1916 reported 'Four more of our townsmen have been reported Killed in Action', and included 'Pte. Henry Byron, 11th King's Own Royal Lancasters, who leaves a widow and 3 children, 42, Warrington Road'.
From the Prescot Reporter, 14th September 1917
Henry Byron's Medal Index Card is a poor quality scan but can be seen to confirm his entitlement to the British War Medal and Victory Medal
Private Byron's grave at Vermelles British Cemetery
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