Name
Harry William Hale
1891
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
03/11/1917
26
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Company Serjeant Major
200035
Essex Regiment
1st/4th Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 /15 Star, British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
GAZA WAR CEMETERY
XXIX. A. 1.
Israel and Palestine (including Gaza)
Headstone Inscription
LEAD KINDLY LIGHT
UK & Other Memorials
Not on the Bishop's Stortford memorials
Pre War
Henry William Hale was born in 1891 in Bishop's Stortford to James Edwin and Mary Hale. His parents were both born in the Isle of Wight, but had moved to Bishop's Stortford by 1891. They later moved to Romford, Essex and were living there on the 1911 Census at 3 Norfolk Parade, when Harry was working as a Solicitor's Clerk.
Wartime Service
He was mobilised in 1914, initially under reg. No. 592. and served in the Balkans from 12 August 1915 when the 1/4th Battalion landed at Suvla Bay, engaging in various actions against the Turkish Army. They were evacuated from Gallipoli to Mudros due to severe casualties from combat, disease and harsh weather and deployed to Alexandria on 17 December 1915.
They spent most of 1916 in various posts throughout Egypt and took part in the Battles of Gaza in 1917. Harry was killed during the 3rd Battle of Gaza and was one of 280 other ranks and 11 officers killed or wounded that day.
Additional Information
His father James received a war gratuity of £21 10s and pay owing of £25 9s 9d. Probate was granted to his father, James Edwin Hale, compositor on 14 March 1918 with effects of £197 11s.
Acknowledgments
Brenda Palmer
