Harry Heald was born at Westwood, Nottinghamshire  later living in Jacksdale. He was the son of Henry & Mary Heald of Albion House, Selston, Notts who are recorded in the 1891 census as living at ‘The New Inn’ Public House, Palmerston Street (at that time known as Old Westwood). By 1901 his father had changed his occupation to ‘railway carter.’ Their son Harry was baptized at St Helen’s Church, Selston, Notts on 28^th July 1895.  Harry had sisters, Annie b. 1884 (who was a dressmaker),  Polly b. 1886, Lucy Jane  b.1889 and Elsie b. 1893.  His father Henry was born in 1855 at Westwood and his mother Mary was born in 1856 at Kirkby.  

On the ‘Soldiers Died in The Great War’ CD Rom it states that Harry enlisted at Ripon, Yorkshire, date unknown. Gunner Harry Heald was killed in action on Monday 2nd September 1918, only two months before Armistice day, aged 23 years at time of death.  

He is buried in The Foucaucourt Communal Cemetery, in the Somme Region of France. (Foucaucourt was in German hands until 27th August 1918). In the South Western corner of the cemetery there are only  eight British servicemen’s graves in all.  One was buried by the enemy in March 1918. The other seven, of which Harry Heald, would have been one, were buried by their comrades in August and September 1918.  

Harry is also commemorated on the plaque is St Helen’s Church, Selston. 

Another serviceman named on the Jacksdale Memorial as having served, is one John Heald, 14095 Lance Corporal Heald of the 4th Lincolnshire Regt, listed as an Absent Voter on the 1918 Electoral Roll, with place of residence recorded as Main Road, Jacksdale; who we believe may have been a close relative.  We would welcome any further information.  

The 1915 Electoral Roll lists three Healds in all , namely, Henry Heald (probably Harry’s father) at Main Road, Jacksdale and Robert and William Heald of New Westwood   Any information to confirm a connection would be welcome.