Private Harry Ayre
32143 Royal Army Medical Corps 44th Field Ambulance
Killed in Action 15th September 1916, aged 25
Lived at 119 Healey-Wood Road
Commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, France

A Burnley Hero
Killed after Being Commended For Conspicuous Bravery (Burnley News September 1916)

Intimation was received yesterday by Mrs. Ayre, of 119, Healey Wood Road, of the death in action of her son, Pte. Harry Ayre, of the 44th Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C. A few weeks ago we mentioned in our columns that Pte. Ayre had been commended by his commanding officer for special distinction merited by conspicuous bravery displayed in the discharge of duty. On Thursday, June 15th, his parents received the following certificate, signed by the commanding officer:

“For gallant and meritorious service. The Major-General commanding has noted with pleasure the gallant and meritorious conduct of 32142 Pte. H. Ayre, 44th Field Ambulance, at Hooge, on 30/31-7-1915, which has been brought to his notice by the commanding officer. – Signed V. Couper, Major-General, commanding 14th Light Division, British Army in the Field.”

The sad news of Pte. Ayre’s death was conveyed in a letter from his comrade, Lance Corpl. Graham Atkinson, who wrote under date of September 18th:

“Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ayre, - It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of poor Harry. It was whilst bringing in wounded on Friday morning that he met his death, he, along with two other fellows, being killed by the same shell. It is quite unnecessary for me to say how deeply I regret the loss of such a true and brave comrade, and I am sure his death will be keenly felt by all the boys here, for he was such a favourite wherever he went……….I hardly know how to express myself and even now I can scarcely realise that he has gone. I sincerely trust God will give you strength to bear up in your great sorrow. Perhaps it will be some consolation to know that your brave Harry gave his life for his country, and I can assure you that his gallant conduct out here was worthy of that feeling of pride which you held in you heart for him. “All the boys wish me to convey to you their deepest regret, and trust that you will receive God’s comfort to strengthen you in your distress”

Private Ayre, who attained his 25th birthday in July, was very well known in the Spring Hill district. He went to Healey Wood School as a boy, and on leaving school; commenced to work at one of the weaving sheds in the locality. He was a keen footballer, and a member of the Healey Wood team which won the Sunday School League Shield. Two members of that team, Wilkinson and J. R. Whittaker, went down with the “Royal Edward.”