Harry Bayfield

Gunner - Service No. 153922 - Royal Horse Artillery

Harry Bayfield, the son of John James Bayfield and his wife Alice (Wymer), was born on 28th December 1897 in Mileham, Norfolk. He appears to have been their only child as John and Alice had married at East Bilney, Norfolk, on 29th January 1897 and John died on 24th February 1900 at Mileham. This left Alice, with baby Harry, who went to live with her elder brother James Wymer at Garvestone, Norfolk. James had three young daughters, born between 1894 and 1898, but his wife, Harriet, had also died in March 1900. Harry's father, John, had been a blacksmith by trade and, when he died, left Alice the princely sum of £77.16s.9d.

In late 1905 Alice was remarried to George Arthur Wymer, possibly a cousin, at Garvestone, Norfolk. In 1907 Alice and George had a son, Sydney Wymer, born at North Creake, Norfolk and by 1911 George, Alice, Harry and Sydney were all living in Swardeston where George was working as a gardener.

In early 1923 Harry married Mary Denny in Swardeston, Norfolk and their first child, Neita, was born in Swardeston a few months later. Harry and Mary also had a son, Frederick, born in Swardeston in 1930. As with many Swardeston residents at that time Harry was employed in market gardening. In the 1940s, probably just after WW2, the family moved to Weston Longville, Norfolk where Harry continued in market gardening. Neita and Frederick both married and had children, some of whom still live in the Weston Longville area. Harry died at Weston Longville on 3rd January 1984, at the age of 86, and is buried in the churchyard in that village.

Harry joined the Royal Horse Artillery as a gunner with the Service No. 153922. His army records do not survive but we know he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal and, like so many of his compatriots, rarely spoke of his time in the army.

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