Harry William Beckett

A Private with the 9th Battalion, Harry died on 10th of October 1916 at the age of 32.

Harry was born at Earsham, Suffolk, in 1885, a son of Robert and Alice Beckett. He was baptised at Earsham on 16 February 1885 and his family lived at the Duke’s Head where his father was the publican. In 1891 they lived at Bungay Road, Ditchingham. By 1901 the family were living at 62 Edinburgh Road and Harry was a rope twine spinner. In 1911 they were still living at 62 Edinburgh Road and Harry was a general labourer.  

Harry enlisted in the Army at Bury St. Edmunds. He joined the Suffolk Regiment. In 1916 Harry was posted to the 1/4th Battalion in France and had service number 4103. He was then posted to the 9th Battalion, with service number 40505. 

On 10 October 1916 the 9th Battalion were in trenches near Bernafay Wood. The battalion war diary records that on that day there was seven men killed and 16 wounded, but gives no further information. 

Harry was reported missing on 10 October. His family made enquiries with the Red Cross and in May 1917 Private R. A. Smith, a British prisoner of war being held at Dulmen camp, confirmed that Harry had been killed.