Name
Harry Randall (DCM)
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
30/04/1918
25
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Serjeant
265089
Hertfordshire Regiment
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Distinguished Conduct Medal
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
VOORMEZEELE ENCLOSURE NO.3
XIV. J. 2.
Belgium
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Hatfield Town Memorial, Hatfield In Memoriam Book, St Luke's Church Memorial, Bishops Hatfield, Hertfordshire Regimental Memorial, All Saints Church, Hertford
Pre War
Harry was the son of Isaac and Fanny Randall and born in Hatfield circa 1893.
In the 1901 Census Harry, aged 8, is living with his parents and siblings at Park Lodge, Hatfield. His father working as working as a gate keeper. By 1911 the family address wasgiven as Hatfield Park, Station Lodge, North Road. Harry, aged 18, was still living with his family and working as an accountant, estate officer. His father Isaac still the estate lodge keeper.
Harry married Eva Lucy Bell, of Bury Crescent, Stanborough, Hatfield, Herts. on June 26th 1915.
Officially recorded as born, living and enlisting in Hatfield.
Wartime Service
Harry was Sergeant 265089, Hertfordshire Regiment
The War Diary for the Hertfords reveals that in May 1918 the Distinguished Conduct Medal had been awarded to !No. 265089 Sgt. H. Randall. More detail was given in the citation in the London Gazette supplement 3 Sept 1918, p.10337, recorded: 265089, Sgt. H. Randall, Herts. R. (Hatfield). For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on numerous occasions. He organised counter-attacks with the utmost gallantry, and led his men with amazing daring. Throughout the operations he behaved with the utmost courage.
Sadly this was posthumous because after being listed as missing he was officially records as dying on 30th April 1918. Although from the following War Diary excerpts it would seem that this more likely to be 28th or even before:
28-4-18: GHQ 2 line very heavily shelled nearly all day & many casualties caused. Enemy attacked VOORMEZEELE (sic) and captured it but his attacks against GHQ line were completely repulsed with heavy loss. Bn relieved by 1st Lincoln Regt during night & on relief marched to DEVONSHIRE CAMP G.22.b.6.4. Lieut. Col. R. Wilkinson DSO joined a composite Bn in the line. Lieut. J.H. Boggon & 2/Lieuts R.Shirtcliffe, P.B.WALLER, T.P.Leese, W.Dove, G.Baker, L.DAY & L. Reeves joined the Bn for duty.
29.4.18: Bn rested, the troops being in a very exhausted condition after being 14 days in the trenches & being constantly subjected to very intense shell fire.
30.4.18: Bn. rested during the day & during the afternoon the two HERTS. Coys. Moved up to position of readiness near DICKERBUSCH Lake where they were reorganised into another Composite Bn. with the 1/6 Cheshires, 4/5 Black Watch & 1/1st Cambs. The two 11th R. Sussex Coys. were reorganised into another Comp. Bn. consisting of the units of 117th Inf. Bde.
In the Bishop’s Hatfield Parish Magazine of September 1914, in the first list of men mobilised from Hatfield, records: “Randall, Harry – Newtown – Newtown – Territorials.” then in July 1915: “Marriage -June 26th Harry Randall and Eva Lucy Bell.” and June 1918: “Four of the best of us are alas! Reported missing, John Richardson, Herbert and Robert Hall and Harry Randall: it would have been hard to pick four finer types of our young manhood; our thoughts and prayers are indeed with those who watch and wait.” and the last entry: “Sergt. Harry Randall 1st Herts. Regt. who is missing, has been awarded the D.C.M.”
Awarded the Victory Medal, British War Medal.
Acknowledgments
Jonty Wild, Christine & Derek Martindale, Hatfield Local History Society (www.hatfieldhistory.uk)
