Harold Owen Ackerley, Royal Irish Rifles
Rifleman, 45596, Royal Irish Rifles, "C" Company, 1/18th London Regiment (London Irish Rifles). Formally 310628, Cheshire Yeomanry. Died, aged 19, killed in action, on 3 October 1918 at the Western Front.
He first of all joined the Cheshire Yeomanry at Menai Bridge in 1917 and probably lied about his age. His transfer to the Royal Irish Rifles came just before or soon after he shipped to France. His regiment was part of the 141st Brigade, 47th (London) Division who, in the latter stages of the war, took part in the final advance towards Lille. From the 1st to the 4th October the 141st Brigade were advancing in pursuit of the German troops. On the 3rd and 4th October the 18th Battalion came under severe machine gun fire. In all the brigade lost about 120 men during these two days.
Born 10 January 1899, he was the youngest son of Thomas and Mary Ackerley (nee Roberts) of 56 London Road, Holyhead. In 1901 lived at 56 London Road, Holyhead with his parents and five siblings. His father was a Railway Inspector originating from Cheshire. His mother came from Mold. He was previously employed as a Clerk for the LNWR at Gaerwen, Anglesey and also a Junior Ticket Collector at Conway Railway Station.
In his will he left £271.17s.2d to his father, Thomas Ackerley.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Buried at Aubers Ridge British Cemetery, Aubers, France. Location VC9. He is remembered on the gravestone of his father, Thomas (d. 22 January 1920, aged 63), at St. Seiriol's Churchyard, Holyhead. He is also commemorated on the LNWR "Roll of Honour".
Image of H O Ackerley from http://www.penmon.org/ Grave photograph from British War Graves http://www.britishwargraves.co.uk/