DOUGLAS PRESTON HARVEY
Born Barton, Lancashire 16/4/1888
Son of Alexander John Harvey & Eva Harvey
Educated at St Cuthbert's College, Sparken Hill, Worksop 1898-1904 & at Manchester University
Then worked for Messrs. George Hadfield & Co.Ltd, Chemical Manure Manufacturers of Liverpool where his uncle, Herbert Horton, was a senior partner
Shortly after the outbreak of the war he joined the 19th University & Public Schools Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
He married Dorothy Ward Taplin in September 1915
To France as PS/7373 Pte, 19th Royal Fusiliers 14/11/15
Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) 26/9/16
Awarded the Military Cross during the attack on an enemy position at Hargicourt near St.Quentin 27/4/17, MC LG 18/6/17 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in charge of two guns he showed great courage and determination in getting his guns into position under heavy shell fire. Although wounded, he continued to command his guns with the greatest coolness and ability'
Another source states that 'he remained at his post for eighteen hours after being hit. His fine example had the greatest possible effect on all the troops in his vicinity, and on previous occasions this officer had shown great courage and resource'
He was badly wounded in his left knee, so returned to Blighty & was treated at Queen Alexandra's Military Hospital at Millbank 15/5/17- 6/6/17
On leaving hospital he rejoined at Grantham and was recommended for second-in-command of a company
He went out to France again at six hours' notice, attached 164th Company M.G.C.(Inf), 55th West Lancashire Division
KIA by an enemy sniper whilst taking his guns into an attack at Cambrai 20/11/17
His CO wrote: 'Your husband had only joined this company a few days prior to his death, but he had become a great favourite with all officers and men, and I had a very high opinion of his great qualities as a soldier. Please accept, on behalf of myself and officers and men of this company, our sincere and deep regret on your sad loss of a gallant and ever courteous officer'
Commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial, Louverval, France
Also commemorated in the UK on the Holy Trinity Church War Memorial, Southport & on the Southport War Memorial, Merseyside
His Officers Papers exist at TNA but we have not checked them Ref: WO 339/62938
For more details - Click Here
With copy of his Medal Index Card & LG Citation plus SDGW, CWGC details & supporting research
Condition: EF
