Signaller John Harry Holyoak

Harry Holyoak enlisted in Leicester on 7th September 1914, along with 13 of his ‘Pals’ from Johnson & Barnes. His parents were William and Sarah Holyoak.

At enlistment he was a hosiery worker, employed at Johnson & Barnes factory in Kibworth Beauchamp. On 9th September 1914 he was posted to the Leicestershire Regiment 9th Battalion, service number 14642. On 29th July 1915 his battalion was transferred to France. During leave in May 1917 he married Violet Mary Needham. He returned to France and was killed on 15th June 1917. In 1921 his widow, Violet, received the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.

Kibworth — Signaller J.H. Holyoak Killed
Mrs. J. H. Holyoak, of Smeeton Road, Kibworth, is notified that her husband, Signaller J. H. Holyoak (29), was killed on June 15th, while laying a telephone wire. He was one of the 15 employees of Messrs. Johnson who joined the colours 2½ years ago. While on a furlough in May – three weeks before his death – he was married.

Market Harborough Advertiser, 24th July 1917

The grave of Harry Holyoak is at the Croisilles British Cemetery, near Arras, Pas de Calais. It is grave number IE6.