SOLDIERS IN OTHER REGIMENTS
Corporal Harold Mercer, L/17274
Corporal Harold Mercer, L/17274
Royal Field Artillery "A" Bty. 49th Bde.
Newspaper obituary:
"Corporal Harold Mercer, RFA, received a shell wound in the right shoulder on Wednesday, the 12th July, and died on Saturday from haemorrhage at the Bramshot military hospital in Hampshire. His home was 258 Turf Lane, Royton.
He was 24 years of age, and before enlisting in March 1915, he was assistant secretary for the Lion Spinning Co., Royton. His father (who is inside manager at the Lion) was with him when he passed away. The following letter, dated July 14th, from Corporal Mercer's commanding officer, Captain J. Noorve, has been received by Mrs Mercer:-
Dear Madam,- I regret to have to inform you that your son, Corporal H. Mercer, of the battery under my command, was wounded yesterday morning. He received a piece or two of shell in one shoulder. I saw the medical officer at the dressing station at which he was attended to, and he told me that the wound was not serious. I trust this will prove to be so and that Corporal Mercer will soon be all right again. I am very sorry to lose him, for he was an able and conscientious n.c.o. As you are no doubt aware, I had sent his name forward for mention in the last despatch, in which I was much pleased to see it appear.
Corporal Mercer was mentioned in despatches for gallant conduct in keeping open, with the help of three colleagues, the line of communication during a fierce attack. "
Note: Corporal mercer was also awarded the Military Medal. More of his story has been written HERE in the 'Servicemen We Know' pages on this website.
CWGC
Corporal, L/17274
Date of Death:22/07/1916
Age:24
Royal Field Artillery "A" Bty. 49th Bde.
Awards:M M, Mentioned in Despatches
O. N.C. 4631.
:ROYTON CEMETERY
Additional Information:Son of Arthur and Eliza Mercer, of Royton
