Other Information:Harold was educated in Dublin, graduating M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. in 1908. He was described as excelling in sport; and gained his cap at Trinity College in 1906 and was picked to represent Ireland as a Rugby international on several occasions. After qualifying as a doctor he joined the Colonial Medical Services, and was stationed in the Malay Peninsula. He was released to join the R.A.M.C. in 1915 and became attached to a battalion of the Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He showed magnificent disregard to personal safety in attending to the wounded under heavy fire for five days. On the fifth day his leg was broken, but this did not prevent him going through heavy shell fire to save the life of a corporal, whose main artery had been cut and who required immediate attention. His fearlessness in crossing the open under continuous and heavy fire to save life or to alleviate suffering was most marked." Harold crawled part of the way, dragging his shattered limb over the ground as best he could. He reached the wounded man, who was under fire, and stopped the bleeding; both were then helped back to safety. He was also awarded The Arnott Memorial medal for bravery. After the war Harold was appointed to the British Ministry of Pensions in Ireland, and later became Principal Officer in Ireland. Harold died at his residence in Carrigrenand, Killiney, co. Dublin as a result of his war disabilities. [Information sources: 1921 Medical Directory, The British Medical Journal obituary and the London Gazette. (Photograph: Belfast Evening News - courtesy of Nigel Henderson)]
|