HARRIS Ernest

Awarded Military Medal (M.M.).

Mr and Mrs Harris of Barley Mow Lane, Catshill, have received a notification that their son, Private E Harris, of the Machine Gun Corps was killed in action on October 3rd. The captain of his company writes – “We were in action at the time, and the hostile shelling was severe. Your son was killed by pieces from one of the shells, which burst very near to him. I feel that this news will come as a very great sorrow to you; it is impossible that it should be otherwise. I am relieved to say that he suffered no pain as he was killed instantaneously. I wish to say how much I valued and appreciated the services of your son. He was my batman for some few months prior to his death. I can only say that he showed at all times himself to be a man of high character and sterling worth. As you know he won the Military Medal for his gallant work on the Somme last year. He was respected and loved by all. His comrades laid his body to rest in a soldier’s grave not far from where he fell; a cross was erected, and the position of his grave has been reported to the proper authorities. He often spoke of his two children. I very much wish to know if they are well and properly provided for after this terrible bereavement which they have suffered. I trust that you will let me know if there is anything further which I can tell you or do for you. With all my sincerest and heartfelt sympathies”.
Reported with photograph.

The following information has been researched by Andrew Bate:
1891 Census
Golden Cross Road, Bromsgrove
Frederick Harris, head, aged 39, Nailer
Fanny Harris, wife, aged 38
Albert Harris, son, aged 19
Jessey Harris, son, aged 16
Mary Ann Harris, daughter, aged 10
Isabella Harris, daughter, aged 7
Sarah Jane Harris, daughter, aged 5
Ernest Harris, son, aged 3
Henry Harris, son, aged 1

1901 Census
Black Friars Road, North Bromsgrove
Frederick Harris, head, aged 49, Nailer
Fanny Harris, wife, aged 48
Jessie Harris, son, aged 26
Jane Harris, daughter, aged 15
Ernest Harris, son, aged 13
Henry Harris, son, aged 11
Nellie Harris, daughter, aged 7

Medal Index card:
Ernest Harris, Private 8428 Machine Gun Corps, formerly Private 36427 Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Killed in action 3rd October 1917. Awarded British War Medal and Victory Medal.