Private Harold Layfield
19748 2nd East Lancashire Regiment
Died of Wounds 27th February 1918, Aged 23
Lived at 29 Thurston Street
Buried in Nine Elms British Cemetery, Belgium XIII D 20
Burnley Express 9th March 1918

Harold Layfield was born at Bramhall, Cheshire the son of Robert and Maria Layfield later of 29 Thurston Street and 65 Albert Street Burnley. He enlisted at Crewe in August 1914 as Private 19748 2nd Battalion., East Lancashire Regiment and died of wounds aged 23 on Wednesday 27th February 1918.

Brother of Loos Victim.

Enlisting in August 1914, Pte. Harold Layfield (23) 19748 East Lancashire Regiment demonstrated the high quality of his patriotism. News has now come that he died of wounds on February 27th of this year. He had been on active service three years, being drafted abroad on March 3rd 1916. Last year he was wounded in the knee. He was a single man, and resided with his parents at 65, Albert Street, Burnley. Before the war he was a weaver at Walton’s Central Mill. He was connected with St Peter’s Church. His brother Herbert, Army Service Corps, arrived home on leave on Wednesday. Another brother, Sergeant Robert Layfield was killed at Loos.

The 2nd Battalion War Diary for 27th February 1918 records:-
“Near Vlamertinghe. The Battalion relieved 2nd Devon Regiment in the Bellevue Line also found working parties to carry Royal Engineer materials and water. Killed 3 other ranks. Died of wounds 3 other ranks. Wounded 40. Received re-inforcements of 12 officers and 267 men”

Notes.
Harold Layfield was christened at St Peter’s Church on 19/9/1894. His parents were Robert and Miriam (!) Layfield of 4 Forest Street. His father’s occupation was listed as weaver.
Harold Layfield was admitted to St Peter’s Infant School from Abel Street School on 6/5/1901. He was born on 19/8/94 and lived at 16 Hawk Street. Harold was admitted to St Peter’s School from St Peter’s infant School on 4/8/1902 and left on 16/8/07 for full time work.