Harold George Harding

Story:
Harold George Harding was born on 12th December 1878 in Shaftesbury, Dorset, and baptised was at St. Rumbold's Church, Cann, on 17th January 1879. He was the son of Rudolph James Harding and Mary Harding (nee Down). The family lived in Bleke Street, Shaftesbury.   Harold married Edith Mary Watts on 7th February 1909 and they set up home at 35 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, where, by 1911, Harold was working as a plumber.  There were five children of the marriage.  He had previously joined the 1st Volunteer Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment on 3rd April 1908 and, as a reservist, had attended many annual training camps (Service No. 296).  He was embodied on 4th August 1914 and held the rank of Colour Sergeant.  He was temporarily demobilized on 19th July 1915 until his formal discharge on 2nd April 1916 - his term of engagement having been completed.  He had served in the UK only and there are no records of any medals being awarded.  The 1921 census shows him living at 35 Bell Street, Shaftesbury, working as a Plumber and Decorator (Manager). He died in Shaftesbury in 1928 and was buried at the Town Cemetery, Shaftesbury, on 7 Nov 1928.

Harold's brother Percival James (b.1890) also served in the war, with the Dorset Yeomanry.