HAROLD CHECKLEY CRESSWELL

1899–1934

Photograph from family collection

Born 1899 in Radford, Nottingham, Baptised 11 February 1900 St Peter’s Church, Radford.

Married in 1925 to Mary Ellen Concannon at Loughborough. Two children: Michael born 1926, who died when he was five, and Joseline, born 1934.

Died 13th April 1934, ten weeks after birth of their daughter.

1901 Census

Age 2, living in Old Radford, Nottingham, with father George, 24, a cab proprietor, and mother Elizabeth nee Checkley 29.

1911 Census

Age 12 living at Holme Pierrepont, having moved there in 1906 for father George to be employed as a groom on the Manvers estate.   Sister Winifred 4.

Military Service

Rank: Gunner

Service number: 8000

Military Unit: Royal Field Artillery

Enlisted 27th February 1915

Discharged 21st September 1918, Silver War Badge number B347115

Medals Awarded

British War and Victory, SWB

Pensions Record Card

Fractured right ankle

From 1.1.19 30% degree of disablement 12 shillings per week (60p) for life

1921 Census

Address: Granville Street, Loughborough

Employment: Motor Mechanic, Messrs Stable Garages

Household: boarding with Emma Holmes and family, all employed at Caldwells Hosiery Mfg.

Other information

There is story in his family that when Harold returned to Holme Pierrepont his uniform was so stiff with mud they stood it up in the garden.

His daughter Josie further recalls that when discharged he had such a lot of shrapnel in his body he was sent to Loughborough College (now known as Loughborough University) to recuperate and be retrained. There, he learnt woodwork and met his future wife Mary Ellen Concannon. They married in Loughborough in June 1925 and moved to Nottingham when Harold took a job with Pilkington Glass

They were living at Whatton Rise, Nottingham when he died.