Pte 50210 Harry Sketchley

• Age: 19
• From: Hinckley, Leics
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 19th Btn
• D.O.W Friday 3rd August 1917
• Commemorated at: Mendinghem B C Proven
  Panel Ref: III.E.45

Harry was born in 1898 in Hinckley, Leicestershire, the son of George Sketchley and his wife Caroline (nee Moore), who were both born in Leicestershire.  They married in Hinckley in 1893 and had eight children (one of whom died young).  Harry was the eldest of two sons; he had an older sister Ethel, and younger siblings Bertie, Eva, May, Doris, and Gladys. Harry was baptised on 26^th June 1899 at St. Mary’s Church, Hinckley, his parents living in Orton Square, and his father’s occupation rivetter.

In 1901 his parents with three children are living at 7 Spencer Street. His father is a shoe rivetter and his mother is working as a shoe machinist.  Harry is 2 years old.

In 1911 they are still at 7 Spencer Street, now with seven children. His father is a shoe hand, sister Ethel, 15, is a hosier’s hand, Harry is 12.

His service record has not survived but we do know that Harry enlisted in Hinckley as Private 33939, Leicester Regiment.  He was subsequently transferred to the 19^th Bn, King’s Liverpool Regiment, and was serving as Private 50210 when he died of wounds, received in action at the Third Battle of Ypres, also known as Passchendaele, on 03^rd August 1917. 

Harry now rests at Mendinghem Military Cemetery, in Belgium where his headstone bears the poignant inscription:

“YOUR DUTY DONE BELOVED SON REST UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN”

Mendinghem, like Dozinghem and Bandaghem, were the popular names given by the troops to groups of casualty clearing stations posted to this area during the First World War. In July 1916, the 46th (1st/1st Wessex) Casualty Clearing Station was opened at Proven and this site was chosen for its cemetery. The first burials took place in August 1916. In July 1917, four further clearing stations arrived at Proven in readiness for the forthcoming Allied offensive on this front and three of them, the 46th, 12th and 64th, stayed until 1918. From May to July 1918, while the German offensive was at its height, field ambulances were posted at Proven. The cemetery was closed (except for one later burial) in September 1918. There are now 2,391 Commonwealth burials of the First World War in this cemetery and 52 German war graves. The cemetery was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield.

Harry’s death was announced in the Leicester Daily Post on 18^th August 1917:  

“News has reached Mr. and Mrs. G. Sketchley, of 7, Spencer Street, Hinckley, of the death in action with the King’s Liverpool Regiment, on 3^rd August, of their son, Pte H. Sketchley.  Deceased was 19 years of age, and before being transferred to the Liverpools served in the Leicesters.  He was formerly employed by Messrs. W. Puffer & Co., hosiery manufacturers.”

His parents received his effects, and a pension of 6/- a week. 

Harry is also commemorated on the Hinckley War Memorial.

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