Meeking,+Harry

Private, 10th Bn., Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment). Service No: 81579. Age: 24. Died 22nd May 1915. Son of Tom and Mary Grace Meeking, of 9, Napier St., Keighley, Yorks, England. VIMY MEMORIAL.
 * Harry Meeking**



Harry was born on the 28th March 1891 and lived at 28, High Spring Road, Thwaites Brow, Keighley. __Former service in British Army:__ Attested on 8th May 1909 for four years territorial service with the Sixth Battalion, West Riding Regiment. Father: Tom Meeking, living at 28, High Spring Road, Thwaites Brow, Keighley. __Medical details on date 27th May 1909:__ Age: 18 years 1 months. Height 5 feet 5, 1/4 inches. Chest 36 inches. Vision: Good. Physical development: Good. Joined at Keighley 21st May 1909. Certificate issued 27th May 1909. Declared fit: 11th June 1909. Approved for service: 21st June 1909. Service to end on 20th May 1913. Training took place in Keighley from 21st May 1909 to 31st October 1909. He also trained/served at Peel, Isle of Man; Ripon and Flamborough.

Harry later emigrated to Canada, where he enlisted for war service on 24th December 1914 at Winnipeg. __Medical details:__ Age: 23 years 8 months. Height 5 feet 6 inches. Chest 38 inches with 2 inch expansion. Complexion: Fair. Eyes: Grey. Hair: Fair. Distinguishing features: Scar on left thumb, tattoo marks on left arm.

Harry was one of sixteen children, seven of whom had died (mentioned on the 1911 census record) 1891 census - living at 9, Back Wellington Street, Keighley 1901 census - living at 229, West Lane, Keighley 1911 census - living at 28, High Spring Road, Keighley. Occupation: Borer Textile Machinery, Blacksmith's shop. Harry served in the British Army for four years from 27th May 1909 to 20th May 1913 with the 6th Battalion West Riding Regiment. At the time he was working for Dean Smith and Grace Ltd as a 'Turret tenter'(?) Next of kin address: 28, High Spring Road, Keighley (Thomas Meeking, Father) In 1915 his parents were living at 9, Napier Street, Keighley as detailed on the CWGC records. At some point he appears to have emigrated but no record of him on any passenger list has been found. He enlisted with the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force on 24th December 1914 at Winnipeg, Canada Harry was killed in action on the 22nd May 1915 in Festubert, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. He has no known resting place. His name is recorded on the Canadian Vimy Memorial at Vimy Ridge, The Canadian Virtual War Memorial, The Keighley WW1 Roll of Honour book in Keighley library.

May 22nd DAWN At dawn and on three separate occasions during the day the ENEMY made attacks on the captured positions and were repulsed with heavy losses to them. The position was subject to a most terrific bombardment from the ENEMY and during the formation, about 50 yards, closest to the ENEMY was shelled so heavily that the parapets were flattened down, all the occupants being killed, so that this position was abandoned, and was not subsequently occupied by either force. The attack on the previous evening was a complete success and was carried out as ordered. The Battalion lost 18 officers and about 250 other ranks, killed, wounded and missing. Particulars of losses had been forwarded to D.A.A.G at BASE. (this is the action in which Harry died)
 * Canadian Infantry (10th Battalion) War diary transcription**