Acting/Bombardier Harry Baldwin
70551 Royal Field Artillery "C" Bty. 125th Bde.
Died of Wounds 2nd February 1916, aged 21
Lived at 26 Talbot Street
Buried in Humbercamps Communal Cemetery Extension, France - I.D.5.
St Peters Memorial, Burnley
Burnley Express 9th February 1916

Harry Baldwin was born in Burnley the son of James and Kate Baldwin of 26 Talbot Street Burnley. He enlisted in Burnley in “C” Battery, 125th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery His family had the following inscription engraved on his tombstone “Gone but not forgotten”.

“Thoroughly Reliable. Officer’s Tribute to Burnley Bombardier." Burnley Express 9/2/1916

On Monday morning Mrs Baldwin of 26 Talbot Street Burnley, received news of the death from wounds of her only son, Bombardier Harry Baldwin of the R.F.A. Bombardier Baldwin who was 21 years of age, was formerly a weaver at Messrs Stuttard’s Primrose Mill and enlisted on January 12th of last year. He was connected with St. Peter’s Sunday School and played in the football team there. He had been on active service in France for 7 months. He was only home on leave about three weeks ago, and had been back at the front just 10 days when he was killed. The first word came in a letter from Capt. Thatcher who wrote:- “With the very deepest regret I write to you concerning your son. He was on duty in the trenches and the dug-out in which he was working was blown up by a German shell. I assure you I feel his loss very keenly. He was one of my best signallers and a thoroughly reliable man, trusted by his officers and liked by the ranks of the battery. I wish to express my very sincere sympathy in the loss which you have sustained. I am sure I am expressing the feelings of the whole battery in tendering their sympathy.
Bombardier Baldwin’s father, Pte. James Edward Baldwin, has seen service with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment and is on military duty at present. His uncle, Trooper Edward Baldwin is with the Hussars, and another Trooper William Baldwin, with the Dragoons”.

Notes.
Harry Baldwin was christened at St Peter’s Church on 3/6/1894. His Parents were James Edward and Catherine Baldwin of 26 Talbot Street. His father’s occupation was listed as striker (blacksmith?).

Harry Baldwin admitted to St Peter’s Infant School on 2/8/1898. He was born on 11/5/94 and his father was James Baldwin of 26 Talbot Street. Harry was admitted to St Peter’s Mixed School on 4/8/1901 and left on 7/8/03.

1901 Census for 26 Talbot Street - James Edward Baldwin (30) Iron Rail Maker born Brierfield, Martha (31) born Sheffield, Harry (6) Sydney (3) born in Burnley.

(Courtesy of Denis Otter)