| Notes: | MFP. Died. Awarded the 1915 Star, Victory and War Medals. First served abroad (1) France, 14/6/1915 to 12/6/16. The son of Thomas and Mary (nee Jones) Machin of 24, Oxford Street, Walsall and later of 36, Arundel Street, Walsall, Harold’s father was engaged as a Policeman on the railways. Harold was educated at Caldmore Church School and was a member of the Caldmore Church Choir. He then followed his father’s footsteps by becoming a Detective employed by London and North Western Railway at Stockport. He enlisted in the Army at Stockport in May 1915 and was drafted
to France on Monday 14 June 1915. After serving 15 months in France, Harold was invalided home with bronchial pneumonia and trench fever and was sent to St. Thomas’s Hospital, London for treatment. It was here that, at 26 years of age, he succumbed to his illness. Harold’s body was returned home and was buried in Ryecroft Cemetery, Walsall in Grave 36.3.426, the Reverend Fenwick Laing, Vicar of Caldmore, officiating. He is also commemorated on Walsall roll of honour and the London and North Western Railway roll of honour.
Three brothers also served in the Army, Wilfred in the Royal Army Medical Corps, George in the Army Service Corps and Sidney, regiment unknown.
Inscription on grave kerb stone: In loving memory of Lance Corporal Harold Machin, Military Foot Police, who died at St. Thomas's Hospital, London, August 17th 1916 from Trench Fever, (trench fever a result of having been bitten by body lice), Aged 26 years. His Mother and Father are buried in the same grave. Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Died in 5 th London General Hospital, 18/12/1916 father Thomas received £7-1-11 and 18/8/1919 a further £4-10-00.
Info from Dependant's Pension Card: Harold Machin, No. P/1255, Pte, MFP, 17/8/1916 died from septicemia, (blood poisoning), dependant Mrs Mary Machin, 36 Arundell Street, Coldmore, Wallsall, mother. 20/2/1917 received pension of 5/- per week.
Harold Machin.
Extract from the Walsall Observer 26 August 1916.
Shows picture of Lance Corporal Harold Machin in Uniform, Military Foot Police,m Arundel Street, (died of trench fever).
Extract from Walsall Observer, and South Staffordshire Chronicle, 18/8/1917.
MACHIN - In loving memory of our dear son, Lance Corporal Harold Machin, Military Foot Police, who died on August 17th, 1916, in St Thomas's Hospital, London from trench fever contracted in France; aged 26.
one year has passed since that sad day
When one we loved was called away;
In lonesome hours there's none cant tell
The pain the in our hearts doth dwell.
Fondly remembered by his Father and Mother.
MACHIN - In loving memory of our dear brother, Lance-Corporal Harold Machin, Military Foot Police who died on August 17th 1916, age 26.
The home seems such a different place
Without the smile of our dear brother's face,
His fresh young life could not be saved;
He slumbers now in a hero's grave.
Fondly remembered by his sister, May, and brothers Arthur, Sid, Tom George. |
UNITED KINGDOM
