Private Henry Cannon
10220 2nd East Lancashire Regiment
Died of influenza 2nd November 1918, aged 28
Lived at 43 Bar Street, Preston ?
Buried in Brebieres British Cemetery, France A.7
St.Andrews Memorial, Burnley
Burnley Express 9th November 1918

Born Ormskirk, enlisted Burnley & resided Preston. He is buried in Brebieres British Cemetery, France, plot A.7., Number 23 Casualty Clearing Station.

EARLY HERO’S DEATH Unscathed, He is Victim of Influenza. (Burnley Express 09/11/18)

A remarkable fact about Private Harry Cannon, 10220, East Lancashire Regiment, whose mother lives at 43 Bar Street, Burnley Lane, is that after serving in the Army eight years, and having gone through the whole of this war without a scratch, he has succumbed to Influenza. His death took place in France on November 2nd. He was 28 years of age, and enlisted in the 2nd East Lancashire’s eight years ago and went to South Africa in 1912. After the outbreak of the European war he came to France on November 5th, 1914, just after the retreat from Mons. Of late he had been on transport work. He is married, and his wife now lives at Preston.
The late Private H. Cannon, who was formerly employed by Mr. W. Whittaker, hay and straw dealer, Tunstill Street, and whose name is on the roll of honour at St Andrew’s Church, has had one brother discharged from the Army.
Mrs Cannon has received the following letter from a sister at the hospital:-Dear Mrs Cannon,-“You will have received my letter telling you of your son, Private H. Cannon, 10220, and that he is in hospital with influenza. Yesterday he seemed to be very comfortable, and the doctor was well satisfied with his condition, but last night he suddenly got much worse, and I am sorry to have to tell you that he did rally again, and passed away peacefully at 1:30 p.m. today. He was not conscious this morning, and did not send any Message.”
Another letter, from a Chaplain, says:-“The matron here will, I think, already have written to tell you the sad news of the death of your dear son in hospital. I saw him myself several times and prayed by his side, and was glad to be able to give him his communion two days before he passed away.