Extract from the Middleton Guardian dated 14th October, 1944

FLOTILLA SWEPT A THOUSAND MINES IN THE MED.

In Van of Invasion of Sicily and Italian Landings

Admiral Sir John Cunningham, Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, recently sent his warmest congratulations to the officers and men of 12th Minesweeping Flotilla, for their outstanding work in sweeping one thousand mines in the Mediterranean since arriving on the station in the autumn of 1942.

The Flotilla, which is now commanded by Captain G.N. Rawlings, D.S.O. and Bar, in H.M.S. "Fly", consists also of the Fleet Minesweepers, "Albacore", "Acute", "Cadmus", "Oirce", "Espiegle" and "Mutine".

Convoy of Jobs As Well

The record of service of these ships is remarkable.  They played a prominent part in the Allied occupation of North Africa, in the operations of Tunisia, and in clearing 600 mile long channel through the minefields in the Sicilian narrows and along the African coast.

Their task did not entirely consist of minesweeping; they also undertook considerable periods of convoy, and anti-submarine work.  They were in the van of the invasion of Scicily, and the landings at Salerno and Anzio, carrying out their cold-blooded work with their customary skill and gallantry to clear channels for the assault craft and other vessels.

Under Enemy Attack.

They were frequently under enemy gunfire and air attack both here and while clearing the minefields off the west coast of Italy, where in clearing channels for the merchant vessels and other craft supplying the Army and areas for warships giving the necessary gunfire from the sea, they played an important contributory part in the advance of the Army for the liberation of Rome.

More recently the ships of the 12th Flotilla have been engaged in sweeping other extensive minefields to make safe the usual navigable waters off the west coast of Italy.

My father who was on H.M.S. "Fly" has kept this extract;  Mum and I discovered it when we were going through his papers after he died.  He had also kept his war service records.

My father and several others didn't receive their medals and diplomas for their service until 54 years after the war had ended and probably wouldn't have if it hadn't been for the Oswestry Branch of the British Legion making it happen.

This article was printed in the Oswestry Advertizer and was accompanied with the above photograph.

War veterans collect their medals - 54 years late!

Over 50 years after the end of the war, two local veterans have received their medals and diplomas for their service in Greece in the 1940's.

Ex-Able Seaman David Harris and Ex-Able Seaman Charlie Howells. have received commemorative medals after taking part in Operations in Greece between October 1940 and May 1945.

Charlie Howells served on the destroyer HMS Kimberley with the 14th flotilla during the war.  He is a member of Llanrhaedr Royal British Legion and the Oswestry Branch of The Royal Naval Association.

David Harris was on the minesweeper HMS Fly in the 12th minesweeping flotilla.  He is a member of the Oswestry branch of the Royal British Legion.

 

Children of David and Mary Harris

 

Work in Progress

Mary  c1874

Sarah  c1878

Emily  c1882 married John Williams

Annie  c1887

William c1889

Richard c1890 At this time and looking at the census documents Richard's year of birth is different. However working on his date of death as the 18th January 1926 he was aged 37 and therefore his year of birth would have been 1890.  Which means his siblings birth year are very much an approximation with the exception of Herbert (Bert) who was my grandfather.

This article was taken from the Oswestry Advertizer dated 27th January 1926, page 7, column 6.

"Fatality at St Martins.   A Miner's death".

A sad fatality is reported from St. Martins.  While working at the Ifton Heath Colliery on Monday night (18th January).  Richard Harris received injuries by a fall of coal from which he immediately died.  The gloom which is occasioned by the tragedy, is heightened by the fact that deceased, who is only 37 years of age, leaves a widow and seven children.

An inquest will be held (Wednesday).

This article was taken from the Oswestry Advertizer 3rd February 1926, page 4, column 2.

"Killed by a Fall of Coal.  Sad Fatality at Ifton Colliery."

A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned at an inquest, held in the Institute, St. martins, on Wednesday on the body of Richard Harris (37), a miner of 6 Council Houses, St. Martins, who was killed by a fall of coal in the pit at Ifton Colliery, the previous Monday.

The widow who is left with seven children, was a pathetic figure at the inquest.  She gave evidence of identification, and said that on the day of the fatality her husband left home at about 1.30.p.m., to go to work at Ifton colliery.  That was the last time she saw him alive.  He was brought home dead the following morning.

Evidence as to how the accident occurred was given by an Italian named Glor Carrer of No. 1 Rose Cottage, Daywed?, who said he worked with the coal cutting machine at Ifton colliery.  he said he and Harris worked together at 9.30 but encountered difficulty and stayed on to overcome it.  He and the deceased were in rather a tight place, and he (witness) said to him, "Stand clear.  When I want you to clean out I will stop the machine."  Deceased turned back a little, but at the same moment a large piece of coal fell sideways on to deceased, pinning him against a prop.  Witness shouted for help and the coal which weighed about 25 cwt., was removed from the deceased.

In reply to the Coroner, witness said deceased was sufficiently warned to stand clear.  The fall of the coal might have been due to a break at the back.  He had often known a break to occur at the back of the coal.

Ambrose Wilson, a night fireman at Ifton colliery, said he had charge of the district where the accident happened, and examined the place about 11.30.  Everything was then in perfect working order.  He was called to the scene of the accident, and when he went there he saw deceased in the stooping position against the prop with a peice of coal pressing against his back.  Harris appeared to be in great pain and did not speak.  He died about 15 minutes later.  Witness was of the opinion that the accident was due to a break of the coal.  All provision for safety had been made, the prop erected was well set.

In reply to Mr. Matthews, H.M. Inspector of Mines, witness said in his opinion nothing more could have been done to make the place safer.

P.C. Evans said he examined the body of deceased and found several bruises on the back and the right shoulder and right arm.  Blood was coming from his mouth and witness came to the conclusion that he had received severe internal injuries.

The Coroner Dr. W. Aylmer Lewis, in recording his verdict said the Inspector was satisfied that no blame could be attached for the accident.  He expressed deep sympathy with the widow and other relatives of the deceased.

Funeral details to follow

My thanks to Derek and his volunteers at Oswestry Library for finding me these articles.

 

 

Agnes c1891

Eliza c 1893 married John Bromley

George c1895.  George married Lucy Edith Morris (details to follow).  Both

Herbert 4th February 1897 (History on the main page) known as Bert.

 

WELCOME TO MY HARRIS FAMILY - my paternal side

WORK IN PROGRESS

My Direct Line

Evan Harris

David Harris c1828 - 31st December 1898

David Harris 8th February 1851 - 15th October 1931

Herbert Harris 4th February 1897 - 1981

Herbert David Harris 24th May 1925 - 24th January 2003

The Harris family came from Carreghofa, often addressed on the census forms as Lwyntidman, sometimes as Llanymynech eventually on the latter census forms as settled in Pant, Nr. Oswestry Shropshire.  Apart from the 1841 census, for Wales David Harris born, c1828 appeared on the 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891 census for England.

David Harris was born in Meifod, Montgomeryshire born about 1828, father's name Evan his mother's name at this time unknown.  He appears on the 1841 census with very little information and as there are two David Harris's I have not quite worked out who is who.  One of the other difficulties is that on virtually all the census forms his year of birth differs.

He married Sarah Humphreys on 5th September 1951 at the Parish Church, Oswestry by Banns.  Both David and Sarah were of full age, his occupation  a Labourer.  Residence for both at the time of their marriage was Pant.  Their father's names listed at Evan Harris, Labourer and Joseph Humphreys, Labourer.  Witnesses were David Edwards and Elizabeth Edwards.  Source:  Copy of Marriage Certificate

David's story starts properly with the 1861 census for England.  As head of the family aged 35, David's occupation listed as Rockman living in the parish of Llanymynech, Shropshire.  At this time as far as I can tell there were 45 Rockmen in this area.  His wife Sarah aged 37, had given birth to three children, David born 8th February, 1851, at Welsh Town (Welshpool), aged 9, Mary born about 1854, aged 7 and Catherine born about 1856, aged 5.  Sarah, Mary and Catherine where all born at Lwyntidman.  David and Mary were both scholars. Of interest is that the wives of the Rockmen often listed as 'Rock Wife', which raises the question, did the wives also work in the quarries?  Or was that simply how they where known?  Source R.G. 9/1875 page 13

The 1871 census for England lists both David and his son David working as Rockmen and living at home.  There were 33 Rockmen listed in this census for this area.  Sarah had given birth to another two children Richard born about 1864, aged 7 and Elizabeth born about 1865, aged six.  Richard listed as a scholar.  Source R.G. 10/2778

On the 1881 census David is aged 51, Sarah aged 55 and their son Richard aged 19.  Both David and Richard were working as Labourers, however, the census does not indicate where they were working.  By this time the number of Rockmen recorded in this census were down to 21. Also living with them was their grandson David Harris born about 1875 and aged 5 at this time.  Source RG11/2655

1891 census lists David as a Labourer living at Rock Hall, Llanymynech, although I am not sure about the word 'Hall' as it is not clearly written. His wife Sarah is 66 and they have their grandson David Williams aged 14, occupation Labourer, living with them.  David Williams born Cefn Denbighshire.  Source RG12/2114

David died at The High Pant on 31st December 1898.

I believe that there is a family Bible in existence but I have never seen it apparently one of the main features of the bible is that all the family were able to write their own signatures.  As we have already seen, the children all went to school.

 

DAVID HARRIS, VRONGOCH, CARREGHOFA

David was born 8th February 1852 his place of birth given as Welshtown in the sub district of Welchpool.  Note here how Welshpool was spelt in 1852.  Also of interest is the fact that Welshpool used to be called 'Pool' and was changed to Welshpool because of Poole in Dorset. On the birth certificate, his father's name David Harris and his mother's name Sarah Harris (nee Humphreys) where shown.  Father's occupation listed as Labourer.  David's mother registered his birth on the 2nd March 1852 by her mark. 

Records found from 1861 - 1901.  David was aged nine in 1861 and lived at home with his parents and two Sisters Mary and Catherine.  Details already supplied above.

At the age of 19 in 1871, David was still living at home with his parents.  Both he and his father worked as Rockmen and he had a younger brother Richard and younger sister Elizabeth.  Details already supplied above.  Source: RG10/2778 page 16

David married Mary Thomas on the 1st February 1876 he was aged 23 and a bachelor and this was seven days before his 24th birthday.  His occupation listed as a Labourer and his residence shown as Treflach.  Mary Thomas was aged 22 an unmarried woman and her occupation Servant.  Mary lived at Treflach at the time of her marriage.  Her father William Thomas was also a Labourer.

Information from the 1881 census shows David living with his wife Mary at Vrongoch.  David was aged 29 and wife Mary aged 26.  At this time, they had two children Mary J Harris born about 1874 aged 7.  As you can seen Mary was born two years before her mum and dad married.  Their second daughter Sarah E Harris born about 1878 and on the 1881 census aged 3.  David's occupation then a Rockman and he and his family were English speaking.  Also living with them was Jane Thomas born about 1809 aged 72, his mother-in-law occupation Farmer Labourer, Treflach.  Source:  Rg11/5497 page 12

On the 1891 census form, David aged 39 and wife Mary aged 36 had four children living with them.  Emily born c1882 aged 9, Richard born c1883 aged 8, Annie born about 1887 aged 4 and Agnes aged 5 months.  Mary and Sarah it would appear had left home and at this point I have no further information.  Source:  RG12/4600 pages11/12

The 1901 census shows David and Mary living at Penyfoel and David's occupation listed as Lime Kiln Operator.  The children living with them at the time were William c1889 aged 12, Eliza c1893 aged 8, George c 1895 aged 6, and Herbert born 4th February 1897 at Penyfoel.  His mother registered Herbert's birth on 9th March 1897.  Herbert was my grandfather and known to the family as Bert.  Source:  RG13/5204

This photograph of David and Mary Harris with my grandfather Bert

Mary died 17th November 1915 aged 61.  She is buried at the Parish Church of St Agatha, Llanymynech and has a Granite headstone which reads 'In loving memory of Mary HARRIS, Penyvoel.' David died 15th October 1931 aged 79 and is buried with his wife, his Inscription reads 'At Rest.'

Obituary of David Harris printed in the Oswestry Advertizer 21st October 1931

The Late Mr. David Harris of Penyvoel

A large assembly of neighbours and acquaintances gather together at Penyvoel, Llanymynech, on Monday, to pay their last tribute respect to the late Mr. David Harris, who passed away on Thursday.  His wife predeceased him fifteen years ago.  Deceased was a native of Pant, and after his marriage resided in Penyvoel for several years.  He was quarryman, and had worked at Llanymynech, Porthywaen, and Llanddu quarries all his life, and his honest, straightforward, and kindly manner made him popular in the village and with his fellow employees.  Except for attacks of rheumatism he was and active man, for his years, and attended the anniversary of the Llanymynech Oddfellows, of which he was a member, in July last.  His declining years were spent in comfort with his daughter Mrs. Bromley.

The funeral took place at Llanymynech Parish Church, but before leaving the house, the Rev. O.S. Symond, pastor of the Presbyterian Church conducted a short service.  At the church, the rector, the Rev. J.P. Poole Hughes officiated, and the Rev. O.S. Symond read the lesson.

The mourners were: Messrs William Harris, George Harris, Herbert Harris (sons):  Mrs. Emily Williams, Mrs. Eliza Bromley (daughters):  Mr. John Williams, mr. Richard Williams, Mr. John Bromley. Mr. Edward Pryce (sons-in-law):  Mrs. William Harris, Mrs. george Harris, Mrs. A. Williams (daughters-in-law):  Gladys Pryce, Ada Pryce, Florrie Harris (grand-daughter):

The obituary then went on to list a contingent of Oddfellows and members of the general public too many to mention and also included the names of the bearers.  The obituary finsed with the following paragraph.

The grave was covered and surrounded with beautiful floral tributes.

 

 

The photograph of my Nan Harris

1955

Hamer and Harris family

Back row from left to right Bert Harris and David Hamer

Front row from left to right my Mum, my Gran Harris, Auntie Gladys and Auntie Connie, me and my sister.

 

HERBERT DAVID HARRIS

My dad was born at Whitchurch in Shropshire and known to his family as David or the Welsh side of the family as Dai.

When my dad died his war records came as something of a surprise for me and my mum.  My dad had always given us the impression that his Navy days were great fun and that he was rather naughty.  However, from 1943 - 1946 his character was assessed as very good on his Certificate of Service.  His mother was listed as his next of kin and the address given at that time was 43 Victoria Street, Oswestry.  He entered the navy on the 11th October 1943 an entered under NS (AF) Act 1939 and served on the following ships.  Glendower 11/10/1943 - 20/12/1943

Drake 21/12/1943 - 11/02/1944

Cabbala 12/02/1944 - 26/08/1944

Drake 27/08/1944 - 25/09/1944

St Angllo (Fly) 26/09/1944 - 05/03/1946

Drake 06/03/1946 - 30/04/1946

On the 30th April 1946 he was given indefinite release as Station Porter in class 'B' in accord with A.F.O. 1355/46.  Source:  S. 459. Certificate of Service

See also right hand column with extract on 12th Minesweeping Flotilla and how it was 50 years before my dad's service to his country was recognised.

 

WORK IN PROGRESS

See bottom right hand column for details of David and Mary's children.

This page last updated 1st July 2008

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