Pte. H. Bennison
|
|
| First name(s): |
Harry |
| Rank: |
Private |
| Number: |
7534 |
| Regiment etc. |
1st West Yorkshire Regiment |
| Date Died: |
16th September 1915 |
| Cemetery/Memorial |
White House Cemetery, Ypres
|
Harry Bennison was the second son of Mrs Bennison of Regent Avenue, and the husband of Mrs. H. Bennison of 25 Elmwood Street, Harrogate. He was 30 years of age and had two twin sons.
Harry was a reservist of the 1st West Yorks and was called up as soon as War broke out. Prior to this, he worked for the Harrogate Corporation in the Carting Department.
Just before he was killed, Pte. Bennison enjoyed his first home leave, of 4 days, visiting his wife and family in Harrogate. He was killed instantly by a sniper or a stray bullet on his first day back at the front, while returning into the trenches.
A Pte. J.W. Oliver wrote to Mrs Bennison on 19th September:
Dear Mrs. Bennison - I am sorry to say that your husband met his death going into the trenches.He was hit in the head with a stray shot and died at once. We are all sorry to lose such a good man. He was always one that did his duty and a better chum I never met. I hope you won't take it too much to heart as we all know he died doing his duty.
A Pte. G. Simpson, writing to Harry's brother Jack said:
Dear Jack - I expect you will have heard by now that Harry Bennison has been killed. I thought I would write and tell you how it occurred, as I know you will be wanting to know, as to whether he suffered much or not. It happened about 1.30pm. He was shot through the head by a sniper which killed him instantly. I got permission to go and help bury him which took place at 8.00pm, and you may be sure that whilst I am here I will see to it that his grave is not forgotten. I hope you will accept and convey my deepest sympathy to his wife and all concerned and if there is anything you wish to know that I can tell you I shall only be pleased to do so."
Harry is commemorated on the Dragon Parade Methodist Church Memorial, Harrogate.