John Harry Woulds was born on 25 August 1881, in Wakefield. His parents were Harry, a bricklayer, and Fanny. He had four siblings, William b1885, Ellen b1889, Harold b1891 and Evelyn b1894.
Harry became a bricklayer also. In 1903, he married Louisa Wilkinson in Wakefield. They had four children, Norah b1904, Harry b1907, Kathleen b1910 and Eveline b1921. By the outbreak of war, the family had moved to Ivy Cottage, Runcorn Road, Keckwick.
Harry enlisted into the Royal Engineers, service number 442496. He was 5’5” and weighed 10 stones.
Unfortunately, his military records are indistinct and no details can be gleaned of his service. But we do know that he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in battle, though the circumstances are unknown. This was presented to him on 9 September 1919, whilst he was in Thorncombe Military Hospital. He had been in Cambridge Hospital the previous August. We don’t know why he was hospitalised, but it may well have been that he had been injured in the course of battle.
Harry returned home and by 1939, described himself as a master builder. He and Louisa lived at ‘Chez Nous’, Runcorn Road, Moore, with their daughter, Eveline.
Harry died on 13 March 1952, aged 70 years. Probate was granted to his widow and son, Harry (a company director).