Harry Gillett was born in Chorley in 1892 and according to the 1901 Census was living with his parents, James and Beatrice, at 12 Longton Street in the town; they had eight children. He was still at the same address in 1911, working as a Coal Carter.
Harry worshipped at St. James’ Church in Chorley and local records show that he married Ellen Harding there during the first quarter of 1916, although the Pals were either in Egypt guarding the Suez Canal or heading for France via Marseille during that time. His medal index card shows that he served only with the Pals and received medals for serving abroad on active service. As his Service Record is not in the National Archives, it is difficult to ascertain whether he was at Serre on the Somme on the 1st July 1916. He was known to be a Private when leaving Chorley with the Pals in February, ending the war as a Sergeant.
Other Information: Two of Harry Gillett’s brothers were known to have served in the Army during the war. Stephen enlisted in 1915 and was demobilised in March 1919, having served with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. Nichols also served in the same Regiment but was killed in action on the 28th June 1915, being commemorated on the Le Touret Memorial in northern France.
