HENRY MALCOLM BLACK 

Henry Malcom Black was born in Birkenhead, in 1887, the son of James and Emily Black. By 1901, James Black had died, and Emily (born in Rochdale, in 1849), who was then employed as a Sick Nurse, was living at 79, Hillside Road, Tranmere, Birkenhead, with 3 of her children: Maria E. Black (born in 1879); Eleanore B. Black (born in 1881); and Henry Malcom Black (born in 1887). Also living with them was Emily’s Grandson, Frank M. Black (born in 1898). Maria was employed as a Domestic Mother’s Help; Eleanor was a Drapery Shop Assistant; and Henry was a Cabinet Maker’s Boy. By 1915, they were living at 22, Adalaide Road, Birkenhead.

 

In 1915, Henry Malcom Black enlisted at Liverpool, into the 3rd (Reserve) Bn King’s (Liverpool) Regiment (No. 3/32593), but he subsequently transferred over to the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) (No.5779), and was posted to 70th Company. Private Black (on his Medal Roll’s he is incorrectly recorded as being a Sergeant) was sent to France, in early-mid 1916, and was killed in action on 1st July 1916, at Ovillers, supporting attacks by other infantry battalions of the 23rd Division. 1 officer was killed in action; 1 officer wounded; 6 men were killed in action; 24 men wounded; and 6 men were reported missing in the attack. Private Black’s body was never recovered and identified from the battlefield, and is therefore commemorated by name only on Pier & Face 5c & 12c, The Thiepval Memorial, France.



Family application form requesting Malcom to be added to the Birkenhead War Memorial.


Researched and compiled by Peter Threlfall.