Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Attewell an engine driver, born 1855 in Scalford, Leicestershire and his wife Sally Attewell (nee Matthews, married in the 4th quarter of 1874 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district), born 1853 in Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire. Harold Edward was born in the 4th quarter of 1898 in Scalford, his siblings were, George, born 1886, Mary Jane, born 1888, Ernest, born 1890, William, born 1892, Charles Matthews, born in the 4th quarter of 1894, Sarah Emily, born 22nd September 1896 and Hilda Mary, born 1896, all his siblings were born in Scalford, in March 1901 the family home was at Sandy Lane, Scalford. In April 1911 Harold was a schoolboy and was residing in the family home at Sandy Lane, Scalford, together with his father, an engine driver, his mother and sibling, William, a farm labourer. Harold also had the following older siblings, Thomas, born 1875, Elizabeth, born 1876, Annie, born 1879, John William, born 1881 and Henry, born 1884, the latter five siblings were all born in Scalford. Harold was awarded the British War and Victory medals. His older brother Charles died as a Prisoner of War on the 12th November 1918.
The War Diary records: 30 Oct-18 – In Reserve. Relieved in reserve.
No.1 Company by a Company of 7th WILTSHIRE REGIMENT.
No.2 Company by a Company of 2nd NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS.
Battalion Headquarters withdrew.
The Battalion marched to LE CATEAU and billeted in the MALTERIE near LE CATEAU station arriving in billets at about 7.00pm.
On Friday November 22nd 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “SCALFORD.” – REPORTED DEATH OF SCALFORD SOLDIER. – Mr. John Attewell has received an unofficial notice from a sergeant in the R.G.A., that his youngest son, aged 20, was killed in action. The writer says he was buried by his battery. Pte. Attewell, previous to joining up, lived with Mr. Pacey Mills, Wymeswold. He joined up last May, and went to France in September. Two of his brothers are prisoners of war in Germany. Another brother, Pte. Ernest Attewell, has just been at home on leave.