203106 PTE. H. DEWHURST. L.N.LAN.R.

 

Henry Dewhurst was born on 23 November 1885 in Preston and baptised at St Augustine’s on the 29th. His father was James Dewhurst (b. 1856 in Preston) who was originally a cotton spinner but later became a salesman and then an insurance agent. His mother was Elizabeth Watkinson (b. 1858 in Preston). James and Elizabeth were married in 1883 and Henry was born two years later. They had another son, John (b. 1891), but they also lost 4 other children. In 1911, the family was living at Poulton Street, Ashton. Henry, then 15, was working as a grocer’s assistant.

 

In August 1914 (just as War was breaking out!), Henry married Mary Balshaw (b. 1893 in Bamber Bridge). The couple were married at Brownedge St Mary’s. The following year, they had a daughter, Joan Marita, and in 1917 they had a son, James Basil. The family do not appear to have lived in Bamber Bridge, but rather in Preston. When Henry attested he was willing to serve, they were living at 43 Fishwick View. Henry states his occupation as ‘collector’ from which I infer he was working as an insurance salesman with/for his father.

 

Henry completed the attestation form on 10 December 1915, stating his age as 30 years and 1 month. He expressed a preference to join the Army Service Corps. The ASC was responsible for logistics and supplies, which would have suited Henry’s employment background. But it didn’t turn out that way. Henry was eventually called up on 18 September 1916 and he remained in training at home until 25 April 1917. It was during this time that Henry and Mary’s son James was born (13 January) and some time that year Mary moved back in with her parents at 108 Station Road, Bamber Bridge.

 

Henry was initially attached to 1/4th L.N.LAN.R., and arrived at Étaples on 27 April. On 13 May 1917, he was attached for duty to the 7th Bn. Royal Irish Rifles, and he joined them in the field the following day. He was killed in action on 7 June 1917. 7th Bn. Irish Rifles formed part of the 16th (Irish) Division and they were engaged in the Battle of Messines, which opened on 7 June. At 3.10am that morning nineteen mines were detonated beneath the German lines and this was followed by a creeping artillery barrage which was meant to protect the advancing infantry. Henry was mown down on this his first day in action. His body was never recovered.

 

Rank: Private
Service No: 203106
Date of Death: 07/06/1917

Age:  31
Regiment/Service: The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1/4 Bn., att. 7 Bn Irish Rifles
Memorial: MENIN GATE MEMORIAL

 

Henry Dewhurst is not related to Robert Dewhurst (killed 11 February 1915), but his wife, Mary Balshaw, is a sister of Joe Balshaw who was killed on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.