Personal Details

Born: 29 September 1882 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 25 December the same year in St. Alkmund’s Parish Church.

Family: He was the fifth of seven children of Henry Speed, a stone breaker, and his wife Jane. He married Elizabeth Jones in 1902 in Whitchurch and together they had six children – Mary, Elizabeth, Gladys, Robert, Emily and Kathleen.

Residence: In 1891 he lived with his parents and siblings in Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch; in 1901 he was boarding at 5 St. John Street, Whitchurch and by 1911 he was back living with his parents at 16 Yardington, Whitchurch where he was still living in 1919. By 1939 he had moved to 20 Yardington where he lived until his death.

Employment: Labourer

Died: December 1951, aged 69, in Whitchurch and was buried in Whitchurch cemetery on 24 December the same year.

Military Details

Regiment: Loyal North Lancashire Regiment (previously King’s Shropshire Light Infantry)

Rank: Private

Service Number: 215184 (previously 2616 and 200871)

Date of Enlistment: 19 October 1914

Date of Discharge: 22 August 1918

Reason for Discharge: No longer physically fit for service

Medals and Awards: Not known