Harry's Story.
Sergt-Drummer Sharpe’s Death.
Bandmaster and Scoutmaster.
We regret to record the death, from appendicitis of Sergeant Drummer Harry Sharpe, which took place at the military hospital, Yarmouth, on Friday last. Sergeant Sharpe was one of the most popular and highly respected young men resident in Port Sunlight, he was enthusiastic worker on behalf of the little ones in the village, where he himself had been reared. In his school days he won the Lever scholarship, afterwards finishing his education at the Birkenhead Institute. He was bandmaster to the Port Sunlight boys brigade and also held the position of scoutmaster to the boys of the Highfield Congregational Church, Rock Ferry. At the time war was declared he was in camp with the scouts at Barnston, and was called away to join his regiment, the 1/4th Cheshire’s, then mobilising at Grange Road West. He was drafted away with them and after many months of training was transferred to the 2/5th Cheshire Regiment, to act as Sergeant Drum Major. He leaves a wife and two little children the youngest being only 10 weeks old, to mourn his loss. They reside with his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sharpe, at 46, Park Road, Port Sunlight. Much sympathy has been expressed to the widow and family in their sad loss, and Mr Sharpe has received a very touching letter from his old colleagues at the branch office of Messrs. Lever Bros., Tithebarn street, Liverpool, where he was employed before the war, being held in the highest esteem. Sergt Sharpe was only 25 years of age.
The Funeral
The body of the late Sergeant arrived from Yarmouth on Monday, and the funeral took place at Christ Churchyard, Port Sunlight, yesterday afternoon, when a large number of friends and relatives gathered at the graveside. The service was conducted by the Rev. L. Mills. The coffin was draped with a Union Jack and full military honours were accorded, there being a firing party and bearers from the Cheshire Regiment present under the command off Sergeant Duckworth, Bidston Camp.
The Birkenhead News, Wednesday, March 7, 1917.