War grave of George Harrison’s grandfather identified
Researchers claim to have discovered the first World War grave of the grandfather of former Beatle George Harrison in northern France. Pte Henry Harrison, who had seven children, died on September 25th, 1915, the first day of the Battle of Loos.
The centenary of the battle occurs later this month.
Harrison had Irish roots on his mother’s side. His maternal grandfather John French was born in Co Wexford.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) archive manager Andrew Fetherston described the discovery as a “complete surprise”. Though the life stories of The Beatles have been very well documented, it is the first time that it has been confirmed where and when Harrison’s grandfather was killed in the war.
Mr Fetherston said the discovery was proof that even after 100 years “ there is always something new to learn”.
The first day of the Battle of Loos was the worst day of the war for the British army - aside from the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
The CWGC, which is responsible for tending to all the British and Commonwealth War graves, records some 10,200 British war dead from that day, including 8,500 who fell in Loos itself.
By: Ronan McGreevy
Source: Irish Times
