HARRY JOHN FRENCH GIRLING
From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG”: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730
As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570
Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.
Photograph courtesy of Lisa.
Born: 1915, Ipswich.
Died: 29th June 1944; Age: 28; KiA. Served 12 years.
Residence: 35, Queensberry Road, Ipswich – formerly of 8, Ransome Crescent, Ipswich.
Enlisted: Royal Artillery.
Harry went through the Dunkirk evacuation with the 229th Medium Battery, Royal Artillery (T.A.), and later was transferred to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
Rank: Private/Gunner; Service Number: 820703.
Regiment: King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 1/4th Battalion.
Formerly of the Royal Artillery, 229th Medium Battery.
Memorial Reference:
Panel 16, Column 2.
Calvados,
France.
Relatives Notified & Address: Son of C.J. & Martha B. Girling, of 8, Ransome Crescent, Ipswich.
Father: Charles Joseph Girling, born November 1884, Ipswich. A Dock & Wharf Labourer.
Mother: Martha Baker Girling (nee Hancock (1st marriage Miles)), born November 1887, Ipswich.
Brother: Victor Alexander Girling, born January 1924, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1921 43, Wykes Bishop Street, Ipswich.
Harry was 5 years and 8 months old. He attended School and lived with his parents, brother and stepsiblings.
Charles Girling, 37 years & 7 months old, a Docker.
Martha Girling, 37 years & 7 months old, Home Duties.
Thomas Robert Miles, 13 years & 5 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Charles Herbert Miles, 11 years & 4 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Sophia Evelyn Miles, 9 years & 10 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Alice Elizabeth Miles, 8 years & 5 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Leonard Charles Kitchener Girling, 6 years & 8 months old, at School, born Ipswich.
Harry is also remembered on the war memorial at St. Augustine of Hippo Church, Ipswich, and also commemorated at the British Normandy Memorial, virtually opened by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, on the 6th June 2021.
Harry (standing right) with his parents Charles & Martha and brother Victor Alexander Girling (also served with the K.O.Y.L.I.).
1944 Evening Star
2 Comments
My father, Victor Girling, stands so proudly with his mother father and brother. Thank you for posting this picture, brought a tear to my eye.
Hi – my husband’s paternal great-grandmother is Martha (Harry, Victor – and other’s – mother!) Until today we didn’t know she married again and had more children. This is wonderful to see. Thank you 🙂