Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Ezra Coleman a hosiery framework knitter, born 1849 in Great Glen, Leics., and his wife Emma, born 1846 in Burton Overy, Leics. Harry was born in 1878 in Great Glen, Leics., his siblings were, Phoebe, born 1870, Zilpah, born 1874, Eli, born 1877, Fred, born 1881 and William, born 1873, all his siblings were born in Great Glen, Leics., in April 1881 the family home was at Glen Magna, Leics. In April 1891 Harry was a scholar and was residing in the family home at Beaumont Street, Oadby, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Phoebe, William, Zilpah and Eli. In March 1901 Harry was employed as a shoe trade riveter and was residing in the family home at 38, Cross Street, Oadby, Leics., together with his wife, Agnes, born 1880 in Wigston Magna, Leics., and their children Ada, born 1900 and Edith, born 1901, both their children were born in Oadby, Leics. In April 1911 Harry was employed as a general labourer and was residing in the family home at Leicester Road, Oadby, Leics., together with his wife and children, Edith, Harry, born 1903, Edna, born 1907, Millicent, born 1908 and William, born 1911, the latter four children were all born in Oadby Leics. The11th April 1917 edition of the Leicester Mercury published the following under the heading, “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS.” KILLED – LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT. Barrett, 23863 C. (Quorn), Barrows, 80937 C. (Leicester), Coleman, 20665 H. (Oadby), Daniel, 10495 G. (Hinckley), Foulds, 22689 T. A. (Woodhouse), Geary, 26775 R. (Narborough). The War Diary for today records. Continued marching till daylight (about 6.00am) when the Bde halted 1000 yards from SHAWA RUINS and came in touch with the Cavalry. The Bde took up HQ’s in the ruins and about 7.00am the enemy commenced to shell the ruins and the Cavalry Div who were concentrating in the vicinity. The Battn was ordered to send forward one Coy with a Coy in support to locate the enemy position, his flanks and if possible his approximate strength. C Coy went forward with D Coy in support. A and B Coy’s remaining in reserve in artillery formation. During the day enemy shelled occasionally, but our guns when they got into action kept the enemy artillery well in hand. Enemy rifle and machine gun fire was heavy. During the day we pushed slowly forward A and B Coy’s later taking part. We had no connection on our right or left flanks. The 51st SIKHS and 56th RIFLES had come round some way on the left to turn the enemy right flank, but we did not get in touch with them during the day. In the afternoon the 53rd SIKHS came up to support our right, and at night continued our right towards the 35th Bde, with whom they made connection. At dusk we straightened our forward line and consolidated the connection on left. On right 53rd SIKHS in touch with 35th Bde. The whole Battn was on the front line from left A, C, D and B Coy’s. In support 1 Coy of 125th PUNJABIS. One section from a Machine Gun Coy was sent up about midnight. Turkish sniping continued until about 2.00am. Casualties during the day 2nd Lt’s HILTON and PALFREYMAN wounded, NCO’s and men 14 killed, 86 wounded. Very hot during the day.