Pte 17208 Harold Proctor

• Age: 26
• From: Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• Died Thursday 22nd February 1917
• Commemorated at: Anfield Cem Liverpool
  Panel Ref: II.C.948

Harold (Harry) was born on 07th October 1889 in Everton, Liverpool, the son of John Proctor and his wife Martha Jane (nee Williams) who were married on the  27th April 1874 at Emmanuel Church, Everton. Harry was baptised on 20th November 1889 at Anfield. His twin brother William Congreve Proctor was also baptised on this day.

The 1891 Census finds the family living at 21 St. Ambrose Grove, Walton on the Hill. Harold is 1 year of age and lives with his parents and six siblings. His father, John, is a 37 year old timber salesman born in Preston, whilst his mother, Martha J. is a 36 year old born in Liverpool. All of Harry's siblings were born in Liverpool and are listed as;  Margaret A. aged 16, Alice J. aged 16, Edith aged 14, Mary H. aged 11, John P. aged 4 and William C aged 1.

On the 09th January 1901 both Harry and his twin brother Wiiliam were enrolled in the Collegiate School, Liverpool. THeir address was given as 18 Staplands Road, Liverpool and their father's occupation as a timber merchant. Their previous school is recorded as St John's in Knotty Ash. 

By the time of the 1901 Census the family have moved to 18 Staplands Road, Liverpool. Harold is now 11 years of age and lives with his parents, seven siblings and his nephew. His siblings are shown as; Margaret A. McFarlane a married woman now aged 26, Edith aged 21, Mary H. aged 18, John P. aged 14 and an apprentice in the timber trade, William C. aged 11, Arthur aged 9 and Martha E. aged 7. His nephew is Charles Alex McFarlane aged 5. There is also a visitor in the household at the time that the Census was recorded.  

Again by the 1911 Census the family have moved again, this time to 4 Denman Drive, Newsham Park. Harold is now aged 21 and  a clerk in the timber trade and lives with his parents and four siblings who are listed as; Mary Helena aged 28, Will Congreve twin aged 21 and employed as a pawnbroker, Arthur aged 19 is an apprentice joiner and Martha Elsie is a 17 year old apprentice milliner. His parents advise that they have been married for 36 years and have had ten children, nine of whom have survived. 
 
Harold’s father John died on 02nd June 1911 and probate to Thomas Mason (Joiner) and William Bate Proctor (Telegraphist) was for £22,805.19.2d.

Harry enlisted at St George's Hall, in Liverpool on 01st September 1914 joining the 18th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 17208. He gave his age as 24 years and 340 days, his occupation as a clerk and his records show previous service with the Liverpool Scottish. He is described as being 5' 6 and a half inches tall and weighed 130lbs, has a dark complexion with grey eyes and brown hair. His religion was stated as Church of England.

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 7^th November 1915.

Harry married Hannah Jones at Our Lady and St Nicholas' Church Liverpool on 01st September 1915. His occupation is shown as a timber clerk rather than as a soldier.  

His mother mother Martha Jane died on 09th November 1915 just two days after Harry left England for France.  

He received his Good Conduct medal on completion of two years service in September 1916.

He fell ill in France in early 1917 and returned to the UK on 09th February 1917 aboard the Stad Antwerpen. He was immediately sent to Southall Auxiliary Military Hospital where it was discovered that he was suffering with a Duodenal Ulcer and an internal hemorrhage. He died at Eltham(London) Military Hospital on 22nd February 1917 aged 26. 

The medical officer at the hospital stated the duodenal ulcer was long standing, not caused by military service but injured by field rations.

A telegram dated 22nd February 1917 refers to him being L/Cpl Harold Proctor 4th Coy 18/KLR

His body was brought back to Liverpool for burial.

He now rests at Anfield Cemetery where his headstone really is something to behold. It features a Cross containing a Pals crest in the centre and there is a rifle slung across the left hand side of the Cross. The inscription contains the epitaph:

"HIS DUTY NOBLY DONE"

Harold ‘s death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on 23/2/1917

Proctor - Feb 22 at Military Hospital Southall, age 27 L/Cpl Harold Proctor KLR dearly beloved husband of Hannah, 74 Juvenal Street. (Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away)

Liverpool Echo 24/2/1917

Proctor – Feb 22 at Military Hospital Southall, age 27 L/Cpl Harold Proctor KLR dearly beloved husband of Hannah, 74 Juvenal Street and son of the Late Mr and Mrs John Proctor of 4 Denman Drive. Service at Holy Trinity church, Walton Breck on Monday Feb 26 at 11.15. Funeral at Anfield cemetery at 12 o clock. Friends please accept this intimation.

Probate for Harold of 74 Juvenal Street was granted to his widow Hannah effects £2039.6.2d

Soldiers Effects and Pension to widow Hannah

His wife Hannah remarried becoming Hannah Alexander and lived at "Birchfield", Greenbank Drive , Sefton Park, Liverpool. 

Harry is commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Additions Panel 2

Holy Trinity Church, Anfield 

Boys Brigade Memorial in Holy Trinity Church in Anfield.

St Margaret’s C. of E. Church Anfield

Harold’s twin brother William Congreve Proctor also served in WW1 with the 10th Liverpool Scottish. He enlisted on the 11th September 1914 in Liverpool but only served 232 days and was discharged on the 30th April 1915 as being medically unfit with a condition suffered all his life.

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