Huthwaite WW One Memorial
1914 - 1918 Remembrance
Harry Frank Thorpe
Private 10021 - 1st. Battalion
York and Lancaster Regiment
Enlisted: Sheffield 1913
Died of Wounds: Loos 1st October 1915 : Aged 20
Vermelles British Cemetery, ref. I.H.17
Huthwaite Online WW1 Remembrance
Private 10021 Harry Frank Thorpe was born Q1 1895 at Chesterfield, Derbyshire. Marriage between father Harry Frank Thorpe senior from Sutton and Miss Hannah Homes from Pilsley, soon begins parenting three Chesterfield born sons. Next confirmed addressing at 56 Abbey Street, Worksop, is where Mrs Hannah Thorpe completes their family by raising two daughters. That 1901 census lists the Thorpe household headed by Letterpress Compositor Harry Frank 37, wife Hannah 38 then mothering, Harry Frank 6, William 4, Gilbert 3, plus Jane Elizabeth aged 1. Youngest daughter Edith Ellen was born very next year.
Son Harry Frank Thorpe is employed as a 16 year old underground pit pony driver below Creswell Colliery when 1911 Worksop census addresses next family home at 24 Clinton Street, Notts. Upon reaching required age of 18, Harry chose an army career before the nation entered the Great War. Remaining family subsequently relocated into Hucknall Huthwaite, where Mrs Hannah Thorpe would receive sad news firstly of her husbands early 1915 death, apparently from a fatal traffic accident aged 51.
Private 10021 Harry Frank Thorpe had already chosen to join the colours at Sheffield in 1913. Attestation defining 5 years Short Service with the York and Lancaster Regiment dates form offering age 18 when leaving Worksop family home. Mobilising for war landed the 1st Battalion at Le Havre on 17 January 1915. Western front attacks claimed heavy casualties, especially during the Battles of Ypres and Loos, where this trained soldier fell with fatal wounding.
Pte H F Thorpe is commemorated on the Vermelles memorial in France, with justified UK remembrance on Worksop Cenotaph and Church War Memorials. Families most recent relocation doubles Nottinghamshire distinction, giving additional Huthwaite Cenotaph Roll of Honour that extends full named remembrance inside that Parish Church.
An old "Worksop Guardian" newsboy and the son of a former respected employee of Messrs. Sissons and Son, the late Mr H Thorpe, has died of wounds in the person of Pte Harry Frank Thorpe, 10021, A Co, 1st Batt. York and Lancs Regt. 
Pte Thorpe was the eldest of the late Mr Thorpe’s family who for some years resided in Clinton Street, Worksop. After leaving school, Pte Thorpe worked on a farm at Scofton and later at Creswell Colliery. He enlisted four years ago so that he was a trained soldier when the war broke out. Meanwhile the family removed to Hucknall, Huthwaite, and it may be remembered that deceased's father was the victim of a fatal accident between Sutton and Mansfield some months ago, being run over by a brake containing footballers. In his last letter to his mother, Pte Thorpe stated that "he was coming home for a few days. " Within a week his poor mother received notice of his death. The deceased would have been 21 years of age next month.
He was a smart well conducted soldier and much liked by his comrades. Great sympathy is expressed with his widowed mother in her distress. A memorial service to Private Thorpe was held in the Parish Church, Sutton-in-Ashfield on Sunday evening by the Rev F N Beswick (vicar). In accordance with custom the flag was half-mast on the Church tower and the roll of fallen heroes was surrounded by a laurel wreath. The hymns were "Thou to whom the sick and dying" "Eternal Father strong to save" "Saviour again to Thy dear name" and "For all the saints." The vicar delivered an appropriate discourse and the service ended with the stirring music of the "Dead March."
IN MEMORIUM -In ever loving memory of Harry Frank Thorpe, the dear son of late Harry Frank and Hannah Thorpe, who fell in the battle of Loos, October 1st 1915.
23 Jul 06 by Gary Elliott Updated 04 Oct 15