Peterborough & The Great War

Biography

Henry Pearson was born in Heywood, Lancashire on 28 October 1884, to parents Robert and Alice (nee Rhodes).  He was the youngest of nine children.  In 1891, Henry aged 6, was living at Gaskill Farm, Peel Lane, Heap, Bury, Lancashire with his parents and seven siblings.  His father was a farmer and carrier.  In 1901, Henry is boarding with Agnes Williams at 20 Lawson Terrace, Stoke-on-Trent and was working in a boot shop.  We have been unable to find Henry on the 1911 census.

Henry attested in Edinburgh on 28 February 1916, at 31 years of age and gave his address as 85 Leith Walk, Leith, Edinburgh and his occupation as boot manager.  He joined the 2/7 Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and was mobilised on 8 April 1916.  He named his mother, Alice Pearson of 14 Peel Street, Heywood, Manchester, Lancashire as his next of kin.

During 1917, he received several treatments at the Royal Bath Hospital, Harrogate for neuritis of his arm and hand.  Henry stated that he had suffered with nervous weakness in his side and arms as long as he could remember and that his right shoulder had been dislocated three times, but was not due to, or aggravated by, his war service.  He was discharged on 8 March 1918, suffering from neurasthenia, being declared permanently unfit for military service and paid a £30 gratuity.  His military character was stated to be very good and he was described as sober, capable and steady.  He returned to his family home at 14 Peel Street, Heywood.  No overseas service is recorded on his service record and subsequently no medal records have been found.

A Henry Pearson was located in the 1939 Register, living at 4 Whitehall Street, Rochester working as a boots and clothing manager.  He did not marry.  No records has been found of his death.

Please get in touch if you can tell us more about Henry.