Harold Boylan 1919-1942, age 23

Barnsley Chronicle 6th February 1943
Thanks to Barnsley Archives

Born: Barnsley in 1919 Q2

Son of: Harold and Eliza Boylan nee Green. Harold snr (1891-1968, died age 77) served in WW1 as a Corporal in the York and Lancaster Regiment 5th Battalion, service number 3074 and later in the railway section of the Royal Engineers.  Eliza died in 1946 at the age of 55 years and both are buried in Barnsley cemetery. The couple were married in 1915, resided at 14 Havelock Street, Barnsley and Harold was the second of eight children.  He was unmarried.  

Military Service: Harold was a Private in the Northamptonshire Regiment, 5th battalion, service number 5887772.  

Death: 24th December 1942 in Tunisia. 

Buried: Harold was originally buried at Baharine before being moved to Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia on 9th August 1944, grave reference 18.C.3. His headstone is inscribed with the following words

Most sacred heart of Jesus

I put my trust in Thee

Thy will be done, O Lord.  

Commonwealth War Graves Commission link: here

Remembered: Barnsley Holy Rood Church Book of Remembrance. 

The Barnsley Chronicle 6th February 1942 reported:

Barnsley Soldier Killed in Tunisia

Was in Dunkirk Evacuation. 

News has been received by Mr and Mrs H. Boylan, 14 Havelock Street, Barnsley, that their son, Pte Harold Boylan (23), Northants Regiment was killed in action on the Tunisian front during December 1942.
Pte. Boylan who had a proud record of service joined the Forces with the first Militia in 1939, went to France in 1940 and returned to England during the evacuation from Dunkirk after a rough passage. Taking a course in bomb throwing at a battle training school, Pte Boylan was wounded and had to spend a few weeks in hospital. Later he embarked for North Africa, and took part in the initial landing of troops. 
A corporal who has written to Mr Boylan, says that Pte Boylan "met his death courageously while in the field."
Pte. Boylan was formerly employed at Silkstone Colliery and attended Holy Rood Schools. His father served in the last war with the 5th Y. and L. (Barnsley Territorials), was in the second gas attack at Ypres and was decorated with three medals.