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Harry was living on Stoneyside with his parents, John and Sarah Ann, when he was called up to join the Inniskilling Fusiliers. His brother, George, was already serving in another regiment. The battle for North Africa was drawing to a close at the beginning of 1943 when the Axis forces were pinned into a small corner of north-east Tunisia and the Allies were grouping for the final offensive. Reinforcements to swell this attacking force were disembarking at a point about 40 miles west of Tunis called Medjez-el-Ban, and it was here that Harry landed with his regiment on 13th January. His sister, Martha Prime, remembers the poignancy of what was to follow. Unknown to either, George had travelled on another ship with a Youlgrave comrade called Colin Evans and, as they were disembarking, Colin spotted Harry on the gangway. There was time for only a brief exchange, but they all agreed to meet at 7pm. Sadly, by that time Harry was already dead, killed Martha believes, by a sniper鈥檚 bullet from the high ground occupied by the enemy. Harry lies in Medjez-el-Bab war cemetery.

This story was donated by Andrew McCloy and Norman Wilson and was submitted to the site by Alison Tebbutt, Derby CSV Action Desk. The author has given his permission and fully understands the site's terms and conditions

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