Harry was born in 1886 in Leicester to James Folwell, a labourer, and Mary (nee Burgon). He was one of 7 children-
James 1876
Laura 1877
Francis 1879
Albert 1882
Harry 1886
Emily 1884
Abner 1889
Harry’s photograph is in
Leicester Mer4cury 17.1.1919 Pg 3.
Illustrated Chronicle 25.1.1919 Pg 3.
In 1891 census the family lived at 98 Upper Charnwood St., Leicester. In 1899 Mary died leaving James in the 1901 census at 8 Longcliffe Rd. as a widower working as a wharf labourer.
In 1904, aged 18, Harry joined 3rd Battalion 2n d Leicestershire Regiment as Private 7309. The 1911 census shows him serving in India. He bacame a Lance Corporal in the 1st Battalion of the Leicestershires and was Killed in Action on 20.9.1918. He is buried in Chapelle British Cemetery, Holnon, France.
The War Diary for that date records that the Battalion were near Holnon. The Battalion was temporarily organised into two companies. A and C Company under Captain J. Herring Cooper, B and D Company under Captain P. R. Milner M.C. and held the line as follows-B and D in a series of posts from S.3.c 15.10 to S.3.c. 80.80. A and C trench from S.3.a. 50.50 to S.3.b. 45.10. These positions were maintained during the day. The enemy steadily shelled at intervals all valleys in the Battalion area and covered front line system with machine guns, which precluded anymovement. At 1.00 p.m. Brigade Operational Order number 355 received advising that Brigade front would be held by the 2nd Sherwood Foresters and 9th Norfolk Regiment from night20th/21st instant. A and C companies were relieved by 9th Norfolk Regiment, B and D companies by 2nd Sherwood Foresters.
Arrangements for relief made verbally with Commanding Officers concerned. Relief carried out during the night and finally complete by
5.00am. Casualties, other ranks A Company 1 killed. D Company 1 killed, 2 wounded. Officers, 2nd Lieutenant 0.M. Norman wounded.
