WWI British War Medal. Gould. Little Clacton, Essex. 1Bn East Surrey Regiment, lost arm at the Battle of Morval 1916

Correctly named 20391 Pte HD Gould E Surr R

Harry Douglas Gould was born to James and Emma Gould in July 1877. We see him in the early part of his life up to 1921 living at Ivy Cottage, Little Clacton, Essex.

He was called up for service in 1916 aged 38 and we see at that time he was working as a general labourer.

He went overseas with the 13th Wandsworth, Service) Battalion, East Surrey Regiment on the 17th of France 1916. He immediately was joined to the 1st Bn East Surreys who at that time were fighting in the Battle of the Somme in the Longueval Village area.

The battalion distinguished themselves notably at the Battle of Morval 25th-28th of September 1916. It is here, upon research, we see Harry was wounded by shrapnel in the left shoulder. The date of the incident given as the 26th of September. Later, Harry was to have his arm amputated at the shoulder.

The 1st Battalion were in front line trenches named Lemco and Leibig when the orders came to advance against the German front line. The battle was hailed an Anglo French success.

During his time with the 1st Battalion, Harry would have seen action at the Battle of the Somme, Delville Wood, the Battle of Guillemont; Leuze Wood and the Battle of Morval.

In 1921, we see Harry back at Ivy Cottage with his mother and sister and it is noted he is disabled.

In 1939, he is seen to be living at 3 Grove Road, Little Clacton, Essex. He is registered there as a disabled war pensioner.

Harry died in 1951.

He is entitled to a pair and was awarded a Silver War Badge numbered 219276, both his Victory and SWB are not present.

The Medal has a modern ribbon.