Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Timson Jeffs, a labourer, born 1851 in Cranoe, Leicestershire and his wife Esther Jeffs (nee Garner, married in the 4th quarter of 1874 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1853 in Hoby, Leicestershire. Harry was born in the 3rd quarter of 1882 in Hoby, his siblings were, William Edward, a labourer, born 1877 in Rotherby, Leicestershire and John Brown, born 1888 in Hoby, in April 1891 the family home was in Hoby. In March 1901 Harry was absent from the family home at The Post Office, Hoby, residing there was his father, a farm yardman, his mother, a sub post mistress and his siblings, Mary Ann, born 1887, Tom James, born 1894 and Amelia Esther, born 1898, the latter thre siblings were all born in Hoby, Harry was employed as a farm labourer and was residing as a boarder at Upper Orchard Street, Stapleford, Derbyshire. In April 1911 Harry was employed as a farm labourer and was residing in the family home in Hoby, together with his father a farm labourer, his mother, a post mistress and his siblings, Mary Ann, a post office assistant and Amelia Esther. Harry also had two older sisters, Lucy Ellen, born 1876 and Eliza, born 1879, both were born in Hoby.
Harry died the day after having his leg amputated. In a letter written to his parents, George L. Duncan (details unknown), described Harry’s bravery whilst in hospital, “Poor fellow. But he was full of the British pluck, and had all the patience too, of a real Christian soldier. His thoughts were of home when I saw him and he asked if I would write and let you know about him. It was yesterday afternoon when I saw him. As the evening wore on, he grew weaker and toward midnight his soul had passed to be with his Maker. I can in some measure realise what his loss will mean to you. Yet you must not think of him as lost. Quite apart from the fact that he did his duty and died in a good cause, you should remember that the shells which kill our brave fellows’ bodies are powerless to kill their spirits.” Harry had been a member of Hoby Church Choir, and also rang the bells to call worshippers to prayer. Harry went into the front line with his Battalion on the 21st September 1916 and would have sustained his wounds during that period, being admitted to the 44th Casualty Clearing Station, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
The War Diary records: 21 Sep-16 – HEDAUVILLE. Relieved the 1/4th KING’S OWN YORKSHIRE LIGHT INFANTRY in front line, Headquarters at BELFAST CITY.
The War Diary records: 27 Sep-16 – BELFAST CITY. Were relieved by 2nd ROYAL IRISH RIFLES and moved to MAILLY MAILLET,
The War Diary records: 29 Sep-16 – MAILLY MAILLET. Moved to RAINCHEVAL.
The War Diary records: 30 Sep-16 – RAINCHEVAL. Moved to HALLOY.
Casualties during the month.
Officers killed –.
Officers wounded 5.
Officers missing 5.
Other Ranks killed 64.
Other ranks wounded 238.
Other Ranks missing 81.
Strength at end of the month. 47 Officers, 746 Other Ranks.
On Friday October 6th 1916 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “DISTRICT WAR ITEMS.” – HOBY SOLDIER KILLED. Mrs. Jeffs, of Hoby, received the following letter last Friday, informing her of the death of her son, Harry:- “44th Casualty Clearing Station, B.E.F., September 25th, 1916. Dear Mrs. Jeffs, - Yesterday afternoon I had a talk in this hospital with your boy, No. 6112, Harry Jeffs, who came here on the 21st inst., with severe wounds in the left leg and elsewhere. Poor fellow, the wounds were such that the doctor had found it necessary to amputate the left leg. But he was full of the British pluck, and had all the patience too, of a real Christian soldier. His thoughts were of home when I saw him, and he asked if I would write and let you know about him. It was yesterday afternoon when I saw him. As the evening wore on he grew weaker, and towards midnight his soul had passed to be with his Maker. I can in some measure realise what his loss will mean to you. Yet you must not think of him as lost. Quite apart from the fact that he did his duty and died in a good cause, you should remember the shells which kill our brave fellow’s bodies are powerless to kill their spirits. One sees again and again how sure they are of life beyond the grave. So though his body lies somewhere in France, I am sure that his spirit will often be nearer you than you think as you go about your daily tasks – nearer, perhaps than he was in life.” “His body was reverently buried today by the Church of England Chaplain in the little soldier’s cemetery that adjoins this Hospital. It is a beautiful stretch of quiet agricultural country well back from the firing line. A small wooden cross with his name, regiment, etc., inscribed on it will be erected soon to mark the spot. If you care to send out any bulbs to plant on the grave, please address them to the Matron, 44th Casualty Clearing Station, B.E.F., and I am sure she will see about getting them planted. If you have any enquiries to make regarding the grave, will you please write to the O.C. Headquarters Grave Registration Commission, B.E.F. Any effects left behind will, I suppose be sent to you in due time by the proper authorities. May God give you the peace, comfort, and strength which He alone can give, that by the resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ has made us sure of that better life beyond the grave; robbing death of its sting, and the grave of its victory. Yours in all sincerity, Geo. L. Duncan.”
Harry Jeffs joined the Durham L.I., last March. After completing his training he was sent to --- about two months ago, and was attached to the West Yorks. Regt. The letter informing his parents of his death was the first intimation they had, and naturally was a shock to them, as they did not know he was wounded. Previous to joining the army he was in the employ of Capt. J. R. W. Robinson, of Hoby Grange. He had been a member of the choir in Hoby Church for a number of years, and also was one of those who rang the bells to call the worshippers to prayer. On Sunday last, at the evening service, reference was made to his death by the Rev. J. W. Watts, who said that deceased had given his life for his country and at the call of duty. Special hymns were sung as a mark of respect to his memory.
On Friday September 28th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS” – IN MEMORIAM. JEFFS.- In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Rifleman Harry Jeffs, who died of wounds in France, Sept. 24th 1916. The unknown grave is the bitterest blow. None but the aching heart can know. One year has passed since the sad day. When one we loved was called away. God took him home, it was His will. And in our hearts we love him still. From Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers, Hoby.
And in the same issue under the heading, “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. JEFFS. – In ever loving memory of Rifleman H. Jeffs, of the West York Regiment, died of severe wounds in ---, September, 24th 1916.
The end was sad, the shock severe.
We little thought his end so near.
Tis only those who have lost can tell.
The pain and grief without a last farewell.
From Mother, Father, Sisters and Brothers, Hoby.
On Friday September 20th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – IN MEMORIAM. JEFFS. – In ever loving memory of our dear son and brother, Rifleman Harry Jeffs, died of wounds in France, Sept. 24, 1916.
He is gone, but not forgotten.
And as dawns another year.
In our lonely hours of thinking.
Thoughts of him are always near.
Yet again we hope to meet him.
When our days on earth are fled.
And in Heaven we hope to meet him.
Where no farewell tears are shed.
Never forgotten by his loving Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters.