BOYLING H

From Hoole History and Heritage Society

BOYLING, Harold

Harold BOYLING

Regiment: 3rd Bn Coldstream Guards

Rank: Private

Number: 20689

Died: 20 July 1917

Aged: 25

Buried/ Memorial: Ypres, Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium

Address: 9 Railway Terrace, Hoole Lane, Hoole



Chester Chronicle 11 August 1917

PTE. H. BOYLING (KILLED)

We regret to record the death in action of Pte. Harold Boyling, Coldstream Guards. Pte. Boyling, whose family reside at 9, Railway Terrace, Hoole Lane, Chester, joined the army on December 2nd 1916 and had only been at the front three weeks when he met his death. Prior to joining the army he was on shunters at the Goods Yard at Chester. He leaves a widow and a child to whom much sympathy will be extended.”

Chester Chronicle 1 September 1917

PRIVATE H. BOYLING (KILLED)

Private H. Boyling, Coldstream Guards, was killed in action on July 29th. He was aged 25, lived at 9, Railway Terrace, Hoole Lane, Chester, and worked on the L. And N.W. Railway. He enlisted on December 2nd 1916 and went out to the front on July 7th, 1917, being killed three weeks later. He was the only son on Mr. And Mrs. George Boyling, 2a Suffolk Street, Chester. Deep sympathy is felt for all the bereaved relatives. Captain Dorman, his company officer, writing to the widow says, - “It is sad news I have to tell you and my sympathies are with you. Private Boyling was killed in action in the last battle the other day. I personally much regret his loss, but there is one consolation – he died a fine death for his country.” A comrade of the deceased soldier, writing to Mrs. Boyling, states that her husband was killed by a shell. He was sitting with two more chaps at the time and one of them was also killed. “You may be pleased in one way”, adds the writer, “to know his death was instantaneous and to think he did not suffer. He was reverently buried by two comrades just behind the trench. I am very sorry indeed because I am sure he was a good man and a good soldier. I had only known him a little over three days, but I could see it in him the day I joined my platoon. I must express my deepest sympathy with you in your sad loss and all his comrades that were with him at the time send their sympathy”.