Skip to main content

WINNETT, Harry (1888-1979) – Worcestershire Regiment

Private Harry Winnett (1888-1979) was born in Sedgeberrow.  He married Lilian Maud Pitman in Hampton, Evesham, on 20th February 1915 and a daughter, Nancy May, was baptised in Wickhamford on 2nd July 1916 when Harry and Lilian were living on Longdon Hill, Wickhamford.

Harry had enlisted three months earlier on 10th April 1916 when he was then described as a gardener living in Hampton.  He was in the Worcestershire Regiment and sailed to Rouen from Southampton on 16th December 1916.  He had been in hospital for nearly two months, from 19th August, suffering from a septic wound affecting three fingers.   Initially in the 6th Battalion (No. 27899) he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion two days after arriving in France and then to the 2nd Battalion on 30th December 1916.  He was again in hospital, this time in Rouen from 28th February 1917, suffering from trench foot.  He was sent to England aboard the troopship Gloucester Castle on 5th March and returned to the 6th Battalion on 1st June.   After recovering, he sailed again to France on 10th July and rejoined the 3rd Battalion.   

Private Winnett was twice wounded in action, on 23rd September and 30th October 1917 but remained in the Army until he was demobilised on 31st March 1920.  His Army record gives his address as Longdon Hill, although he appears on the 1919 Absent Voters’ List twice:  once for Wickhamford and once for Hampton.  He was awarded the Victory and British War Medals.