Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

The service record for Private F M Harding has not been located but it is possible that he was Francis Miller Harding, born in Leicester on 25 September 1885, to parents Thomas Miller and Eleanor (nee Grant).  In 1901, Francis aged 15, was a solicitor’s clerk and lived with his parents and three siblings, Herbert S (14), Beatrice E (12) and Horace (7) at 10 Belle Vue Terrace, Scarborough.  His father was a printer’s overseer.  It has not be possible to trace Francis in the 1911 Census.

Francis was serving with the Royal Garrison Artillery and stationed at Sheffield when he passed through Peterborough East Station on 5 July 1916.  He wrote in the visitors’ book:

“Here’s health to me and all my pals
and – old Kaiser Bill
Lets hope his head will never stop aching
until we have given him a – good shaking”

Francis also served overseas as he was awarded the British War and Allied Victory Medals.  His younger brother Horace served with the Royal Marines Light Infantry and was with the Plymouth Battalion Royal Naval Division.  Horace died from disease on 6 June 1915, and was buried at sea.

In 1939 Francis, a widower, was living in Sale, Cheshire and listed as a commercial traveller.  We have not been able to find any record of his marriage or if he had any children.  Francis died in Sale, Cheshire on 18 March 1966, aged 81.

Have we correctly identified this soldier? Please get in touch if you can you tell us more.