Harry's Story.
Harry was the 20 year old son of Mr and Mrs E Hearn of 72 Surrey Street, Runcorn, Cheshire.He was born in Runcorn and enlisted there in March 1915 before going out to France.
In a letter to his parents, the Company Sergeant Major wrote.
"I very much regret to inform you of the death of your son, which occurred yesterday. All ranks send to you our deepest sympathy in the sad bereavment and loss you are called upon to bare.
It may comfort you a litted to know his death was instantaneous and he suffered no pain whatsoever. He had returned from the trenches with other members of the platoon at 2am for a short rest. It was while he was resting that a shell entered and exploded in the billet witht he sad result. The poor lad had only returned to us from hospital a week ago after recovering from his illness. He was a good and faithful soldier and never failed in his duty. I trust you will bare his loss bravely, for I feel sure this would be his wish. The country has lost another good solider and you a good son.
We ahev buried him in our beautiful cemetery, and the chaplain read the burial service. He was carried to his last resting place by his comrades.
The place will no doubt be communicated to you by the authorities in due course, and we shall erect a cross over his grave in th ecourse of a day or two. "
Harry Hearn was killed at the same time as two other Runcorn men, Privates Joe Orme and Geroge Percival, and they are buried next to one another in Hebuterne Military Cemetery.
Plot 11 Row B Grave 9.
The war diary states for the 10th August 1916
"3 OR's killed and 4 OR's wounded"
He wa employed by the Weston Chemical Company.
Picture Taken by Graeme Ainsworth
Complied by Graeme Ainsworth and Percy Dunbavand