Personal Details
Harry Jack Venables, born in High Street, Whitchurch in 1894, the eldest son of Samuel and Sarah Jane Venables, of 34, Talbot Street, Whitchurch. Harry was married to Sarah Jane.
He worked as a Cheese Factor’s Clerk before enlisting on the 12th December 1915.
He was discharged on the 18th December 1916, unfit for any military service. During his short military career, whilst serving in Tenby, South Wales he contracted pleurisy, which left him with permanent breathing problems.
Military Details
Regiment : 3/4th (Reserve) Battalion King’s Shropshire Light Infantry
Rank : Private
Service Number : 4538
Died of Illness United Kingdom 15th November 1918 Age 25
Further Information
Report in the Whitchurch Herald 23rd November 1918 of the death of Harry Jack Venables
"Venables: On November 15th at the General East Suffolk Hospital, of Pneumonia, following Influenza, Harry Jack, the dearly loved eldest son of Sarah Jane Venables, of Talbot Street.
His younger brother Arthur Malcolm was taken serious ill with Influenza in Ipswich, where he was stationed. Harry and his mother made the journey to Ipswich after several anxious days had passed Arthur was on the way to recovery. Unfortunately Harry caught the infection of the epidemic and passed away after five days of acute illness and suffering. The funeral which was a Military one, took place in Whitchurch on Tuesday 19th November 1918."
Whitchurch Herald 23rd November 1918
Taken from Forces War Records
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Information provided by Terry Evanson Whitchurch, Shropshire and Whitchurch Museum and Archives