Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Harry was born in Bardon around 1880 and was the husband of Maud Annie Webster, of 105 Water Works Road, Bardon Hill. He worked at Bardon Hill Quarry.
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submitted by F. Tilley in 2016


Coalville Times article - Friday December 21st, 1917

LOCAL CASUALTIES

News has been received that Pte. H. Webster of the Leicestershire Regiment, was killed in action on November 22nd. Writing to his wife who resides at Waterworks Road, Bardon Hill, a chaplain states, “I am extremely sorry to be the bearer of such sad news. Your husband, Private H. Webster, was killed in action on November 22nd in his billet by a long-range shell. We were some way back behind the line and thought we were well out of danger, yet six of our men were killed. It is very sad after they had come safely through the fighting of the last month or two, that they should have been killed at such a time. Your husband had been writing three letters during the afternoon, and had left them in his pocket wallet, which I am sending to you. He was killed about six o’clock in the evening. I only wish I could express how greatly we all feel for you. The whole of “A” Company and quite a number from the other companies were present at the most impressive funeral, with full military honours, on November 23rd. He was buried in a British cemetery close to the graves of other brave men who have given their lives for their country, and home. We, out here, all fully understand how great a share the wives and mothers of England have in the great sacrifice which the country is having to make in ridding the world of evils even worse than death, and winning peace and freedom for the world.” The deceased was a brother of Pte. A. Webster, also of Waterworks Road, Bardon Hill, whose death in action was recently reported.

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Harry George Webster, the beloved husband of Maud Annie Webster, who was killed by a shell in France, on November 22nd, 1917. Aged 37.

“Could we have raised his dying head,
Or heard his last farewell.
The grief would not have been so hard,
To those who loved him well.
He bravely answered duty’s call;
He gave his life for one and all,
Christ will clasp the broken chain
Closer when we meet again.”

Coalville Times article - Friday January 11th, 1918.

BARDON HILL

A memorial service was held in St. Peters’ Church, Bardon Hill, on Sunday night for Pte. Harry Webster, who was killed by a Hun shell when in a dug-out on the Western Front. There was a large congregation. The service was conducted by the Rev. E. Pillifant. Appropriate hymns were sung. Mr Pruden, the organist, played “I know that my Redeemer liveth” as a concluding voluntary.

Research undertaken and submitted (including photograph from Coalville Times) by Andy Murby. 1/1/2018.

Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the husband of Maud Annie Webster. The War Diary entry for the 22nd November 1917 records. BILLETS, HERSIN. “A” Company were shelled in billets by large calibre high velocity guns, getting a direct hit on the billet (THE NUNNERY). Casualties 7 killed and 24 wounded (3 of the latter died of wounds at the Casualty Clearing Station.