Rushden Research Group: E Harrison 1914

Private Edward Harrison

11907 3rd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

Private Edward Harrison

Son of Mr Arthur and Mrs Martha Harrison

Aged 31 years

Died 23rd October 1914

Commemorated on Le Touret Memorial
Panel 17 and 18
And on Bozeat War Memorial

Born at Bozeat, and enlisted at Northampton.

Evening Telegraph, Tuesday, 24th November 1914, transcribed by John Collins.

Killed in Action

We regret to record the death of Private E. Harrison, of Rushden, brother of Jack Harrison, the ex-middle-weight champion, who has been killed in action with the Worcestershires. He had served with the colours for 12 years, eight in the Regulars, two in the Reserves, and two in the Militia. He spent four years with the Northamptons and four in the Worcesters, and had been eight years in India. He went out with the Reserves with the British Expeditionary Force, being called up on August Bank Holiday Wednesday. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, of West-street, heard of him regularly until a month ago. They had official intimation of his death on Monday. He went through the South African War without a wound, and received the South African medal.

The Rushden Echo, 27th November 1914, transcribed by Jim Hollis.

Rushden Soldier Killed - Private Edward Harrison Succumbs To Injuries
Brother of The Famous Boxer

A message from the War Office reached Rushden on Monday that Private E. Harrison, 11907, Worcester Regiment, had been killed in action. The late Private Harrison, who was 31 years of age, was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Harrison, of West-street, Rushden, and was a brother of the well-known boxer, and ex-middleweight champion of England.

The late Private Harrison had been twelve years in the service of his king and country, having served two years in the militia, four in the Northampton Regiment, four in the Worcester Regiment, and two years as a reservist. Eight years of his service was put in India.

He was called up on Wednesday, August 6th, and preceded to the front with his old regiment, the Worcesters.

The news of his death did not come altogether as a surprise to his parents, as he wrote regularly every week, until about a month ago when his letters suddenly ceased, this cessation of correspondence causing them to have fears for his safety.

We regret to say that these fears were confirmed on Monday, when the official news concerning his death was received from the Record Office, Warley. The communication merely stated that he had been killed in action, no details as to when or where being given. The official document was accompanied by the following letter:-

“The King commands me to assure you of the true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow. Kitchener.”

Prior to proceeding on active service the late Private Harrison had been in the employ of the Rushden and District Electric Supply Co., and only just before he was called up he had commenced duties as an employee of the Rushden Urban District Council. He was very well known in Rushden and district, and was a member of the Rushden Athletic Club.

Private Harrison went out to South Africa with the Militia and took part in the Boer War, coming through unscathed.

One of the late Private Harrison’s brother, Fred Harrison, who is now in Australia, has also seen service in the Militia, and has now re-enlisted.

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