UNDERWOOD Harold Stanley

Harold Stanley Underwood was born in Woodford, Essex in 1879, his birth is registered in the June Quarter 1879 under the West Ham Registration District.  He enlisted in the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery at Wembley, Middlesex on 17th November 1914 when he gave his age as 35 years and 7 months and his occupation as a mining engineer.  He had previously served in the Imperial Light Horse in South Africa leaving at the expiration of his service.  Harold was 5 feet 6 inches tall with a fresh complexion, blue/grey eyes and dark brown hair.

On 2nd January 1915 he was transferred to Motor Transport Army Service Corps.  His next of kin was given as Mrs Underwood, 73 Grove Road, Wanstead, Essex until he married Elsie Janet Boulton on 22nd December 1914 in Alvechurch.  Harold did not see overseas service, he was discharged from the army on 14th May 1916 as being no longer physically fit for war service.  An application was made for disablement pension on 28th June 1916 when he was resident in the King Edward VII Sanatorium, Midhurst Sussex. His address is later amended to Sutherland, Baring Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.  A medical report dated 12th November 1916 gives his cause of discharge as Tubercle of Lung with the information ‘Origin uncertain.  Had pneumonia a year ago & was in hospital, has been short of breath ever since & cough on & off.  Not result of but aggravated by Military Service. Prevents 1/4 permanently.’

Harold died in early 1918, his death aged 39 is registered in the March Quarter 1918 under the Amersham Registration District.