Alfred Sidney Harding

Story:
Alfred Sidney Harding was born in 1882 in Sedgehill, Wiltshire, and baptised there on 24th September, 1882. He was the son of Thomas Baker Harding, a Farm Labourer, and Mary Ann Harding (née Harding). At the time of the 1911 Census he was single, working as a Haulier's Carter and living at Hugglers Hole Cottage, Semley, Wiltshire. He enlisted in Gillingham, Dorset, on 8th December, 1915, as a Private and joined the 3rd/8th Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Service No. 306722). He served in France & Flanders and was awarded the Victory and British War medals. He was originally reported 'wounded and missing' but his body was later recovered for burial. He died on 27th August 1917 and was buried at Poelcapelle British War Cemetery, Langemark-Poelcappelle, Belgium (grave id. XLII.C.19). He is remembered on the War Memorial in St. Leonard's churchyard, Semley and on the Semley Baptist Chapel plaque, now in St. Leonard's Church.  Alfred's brother, Arthur John Harding, served with the Royal Flying Corps (later RAF) and survived.