Trafford

Harold's birth surname was actually GRIESEL, the son of Agnes Griesel.  He
was born during the September quarter 1893 in the Chorlton R.D. - ref:
8c/919.

1901 Census - 7 Brewery Street, Prestwich, Manchester.  This was the home
of widow, Alice Statham, her mother and her three children.  There were two
single mothers with their children residing there.
Harold Griesell's mother - Agnes Griesel, was recorded as the niece of
Alice Statham.    Agnes Griesell - Niece - Single - aged: 41 - occ: Day
Servant at Restaurant - born: Salford.   Harold Griesel - Nephew - aged: 8
- born: Hulme, Manchester.  Harold's elder sister - Florence Griesel -
Niece - aged: 10 - born: Hulme, Manchester.

1911 Census - 22 Kelsall Street, Sale.  This was the home of Harry Joseph
Hughes - Widower - aged: 47 - occ: Hotel Gardener, born: Hulme, Manchester.
  Also residing there was Harold's mother - Agnes Griesel - Boarder - Widow
- aged: 50 - General Domestic Servant - born: Salford. Harold Griesel -
Boarder - aged: 17 - occ: Improver to Brass Finisher - born: Hulme.   Also
his sister - Florence Griesel - Boarder - aged: 20 - occ: General Domestic
Servant - born: Hulme.

Attended the Barkers Lane, Ashton upon Mersey Council School and the
Roebuck Lane Congregational Mission Room.   He was a keen footballer.

He originally enlisted into the 10th Battalion - Cheshire Rgt, that was
formed at Chester on the 10th September 1914 - part of the K3 and went for
training at Codford St. Mary.  In November 1914, the Battalion moved to
Bournemouth and in May 1915, to Aldershot.   Posted to France on the 26th
September 1915 and into the 7th B rigade, 25th Division.  On the 21st June
1918, the Battalion was reduced to Cadre strength and the main body
transferred to the 9th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment.

W.O.363 - Enlisted at Sale on the 5th September 1914 under the name Harold
Howard.   Like many persons with German sounding names (including our
Royalty), he adopted the name HOWARD.   He was aged 19 years 60 days and
employed as a Carter.   He was 5 feet 3 1/4 inches in height and weighed
115 lb.  His chest measurements were 32 to 34 inches, his eyes - grey, his
hair - light brown.   He had a Fresh complexion and his religion listed as
Church of England.   

He was posted into the 10th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment.    Posted to
France on the 26th September 1915.    Wounded in action on the 7th June
1917, suffering from shrapnel to his left leg.  He was admitted into 11
C.C.S. (Casualty Clearing Station) in the field and then and sent down to
the 32nd Stationary Hospital at Wimereux on the 8th.   After treatment, he
was sent to 41 B.D. (Base Depot) at Rouen on the 29th June 1917 and marked
as P.B. (Permanent Base - he could only be employed in a Base unit) on the
12th July 1917.  Granted leave back to the UK from 17th July until the 26th
July 1917.   On the 22nd August 1917 he was transferred to the 49 the
Prisoner of War Company at Dieppe.   He returned from Dieppe back to Rouen
on the 1st January 1918.   He rejoined his Battalion in the Field on the
8th August 1918.   Granted leave to the UK on the 6th February until the
20th March 1918.    Transferred to the 9th Cheshire Regiment on the 23rd
June 1918.

On the 25th March 1919, his personal belongings were sent to his mother
who, along with his sister, had also adopted the surname HOWARD, still
residing at 22 Kelsall Street, Sale.   These were: Photos, Note books,
card, cigarette case, wallet and 2 French coins.

His death was reported in the 15/11/1918 edition of the Altrincham
Guardian.

M.I. - "Sleep on beloved sleep and take thy rest".