Mexborough and Swinton Times May 12, 1917

Swinton Brothers
One Killed In Action

Private Harry Stratford (Durham Light Infantry) son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Stratford, of 69 Bridge St, Swinton was killed in action on Easter Monday.

He was 30 years of age and single. He was apprenticed to the glass bottle trade, but latterly worked at the Barnburgh Main colliery. He joined the army 18 months ago, and had been in France only a few weeks when he was killed.

His brother Private Ernest Stratford, of Knottingley, a glass bottle worker, has been in the army more than a year, and went to France, where he still serving, before Christmas.

Mrs Stratford has received the following message from second Lt W Anderson:

“it is my painful duty to inform you that your son, private H Stratford, was killed in action April 9. He was a most popular lad with the company, and did splendid work in action.”

Messages of sympathy and also been received from Mr Thomas Drake for and Mr William J Tyler on behalf of the Swinton Bridge Primitive Methodist Adult Bible Class: Mr D Wilson and Mr E chapel on behalf of the choir of the church; and Mr J Webster, secretary of the Christian Endeavour Society at that church, which the late private Harry Stratford was a valued and esteem member and worker.

From C.W.G.C.:

Private 2636 10th battalion, Durham Light Infantry.

Buried at the Tilloy British Cemetery, grave III. H. 20.