Sgt 15751 Harry Keay

• Age: 26
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• K.I.A Tuesday 27th June 1916
• Commemorated at: Cerisy-gailly Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: II.K.26

Harry Keay was born in 1891, the youngest of eight children born to Edward Keay, a mechanical engineer, and his wife Mary (nee Guildford). Harry was baptised on 16th October 1891 at St Marys, Walton on the Hill. His parents were married on 23rd June 1874 at St Marys Edge Hill. Harry had siblings Alexander, Edward Guildford, Hannah, Frances, Ethel, Thomas and Eleanor J.

In 1901 the family lived at 14 Richmond Grove, Everton. Harry is 9 years of age. His father Edward was a 52 year old iron turner born in Liverpool in 1849, whilst his mother, Mary, was a 52 year old  licensed victualler, also born in Liverpool in 1849. Harry's siblings, all born in Liverpool and recorded on the Census are;  Alexander aged 26 and a furniture remover's bookkeeper, Frances aged 19 is a domestic housemaid, Ethel aged 17 is a bookbinder,  Thomas aged 15 is an apprentice to a lead light worker and Eleanor aged 12.

In 1911, Edward, Mary and three of their children (Ethel Benson, 28 years old and still a bookbinder; Eleanor, Jane 23 years old and a florist and Harry, 19 years old, a clerk in the Stock Exchange) live at 127 Salisbury Road, Everton. His parents advise that they have been married for 37 years and have had eight children all of whom have survived. 

On 03^rd September 1914, Harry enlisted at St George's Hall,  Liverpool, joining the 17th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 15751. He gave his age as 23 years 150 days, his occupation as clerk and his next of kin as his father, Edward, of 25 Chepstow Avenue, Liscard. He was described as being  5' 8 3/4" tall, weight 138lbs,  with a 35" chest, fresh complexion, cornflower blue eyes and brown hair. He stated his religion as Church of England.

He was billeted at Prescot Watch Factory from 14^th September 1914, he trained there and also at Knowsley Hall. On 05^th December 1914 he was appointed Unpaid Lance Corporal. On 30th April 1915 the 17th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. On 01^st September 1915 he was promoted to Corporal and then Lance Sergeant. The Pals remained at Grantham until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

Shortly after Harry arrived in France, his father died on 26th December 1915, aged 68.

His service records show a series of promotions:

05th December 1914 - Appointed unpaid Lance Corporal.

29th December 1914 - Appointed paid Lance Corporal

01st September 1915 - Promoted to Corporal, then appointed unpaid Lance Sergeant

25th May - 05th June 1916 - granted leave in the field.

08th June 1916 - promoted Sergeant.

Just weeks after his promotion to Sergeant  he was killed in action on 27^th June 1916, aged 26, a victim of German artillery fire.

The British bombardment of the German lines, in preparation for the ‘Big Push’, began on 24th June 1916. On the 26th the German counter-barrage begins and inflicts quite serious losses on the 17th and 20th battalions.

The 17th Bn War Diary for 26th/27th June shows “heavy enemy bombardment of front line trenches.  Casualties: Killed O.R. 17, Wounded O.R. 57”

He was buried close to where he fell in Maricourt Military Cemetery and his grave marked with a cross.  The cemetery was at the south-east corner of the village, on the road to Clery. It was begun by French troops in December, 1914, and was known to the French by the name of Ferme Caudron.  It was taken over by British troops in August, 1915, and used until July 1916.  After the war when graves were concentrated his body was removed and reinterred in Cerisy-Gailly Cemetery where he now rests at Grave II K 26.

His death was reported in the local press:

Liverpool Echo 12/7/1916

More Wallasey Pals killed:

Sgt Harry Keay age 25, son of Mrs Keay, 25 Chepstow Avenue, Liscard, Wallasey.

Liverpool Daily Post – 15/7/1916 -

Fallen and Wounded Pals

Sgt Harry Keay has been killed in action, he was a stockbrokers clerk and the flag at the Stock Exchange is at half mast. 

Also the Wallasey News on 15/7/16

Mrs.Mary Keay, of 25,Chepstow-avenue, Liscard, has received notification from Preston that her youngest son, Sergeant Harry Keay, of the Liverpool Pals, was killed in action..
 
His effects and 3 medals were sent to his mother at 25 Chepstow Avenue. The only item of personal property returned was a small book.

Soldiers Effects and Pension to mother Mary. 

In 1919, his mother swore a declaration that her husband had died (26/12/1915) and Harry’s surviving relatives were his 3 elder brothers and 4 sisters.

His father Edward is buried at Rake Lane cemetery, Wallasey, Harry is commemorated on the headstone, alongside his mother who in 1932 aged 83 and was buried April 1932. The headstone in relation to Harry reads: 

In Loving Memory of

Sergt. HARRY KEAY 17th Batt. K.L.R. 1st PALS

The Dearly Loved Youngest Son Of The Above

Killed In Action June 26th 1916

And Was Buried

In Maricourt Cemetery France

Aged 25 Years

We currently have no further information on Harry Keay. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.