Notes
The All About Thornton website (see References) states: ‘Harry Naylor, born in 1881, in Thornton. In the 1881 census, he was a 1-month-old son of Joshua and Susannah Naylor, of 58 Hoxton Street. Manningham. His father’s occupation was “Watch cleaner”. In the 1901 Census Harry is 20, employed as a Watch repairer and living with his parents and siblings at 24 Four Lane Ends. In 1903 he married Charlotte Leetham. In the 1911 Census he was living at 23 New Road, Thornton with his wife. 23 New Road is where The Watchmaker pub is on Thornton Road at South Square. He was a Watch jobber and his wife assisted in the business. In August 1912 they had a son, Ernest.
On 17 August 1915 Harry Naylor enlisted in the Army, and his medical record showed he “required dental treatment” but was physically fit. It showed he was a watchmaker before enlisting. He was posted to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps on 17 August 1915, but not called up for duty until 19 December 1915. He was in France from 21 December 1915. He was posted from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, 77 Company # 2404 to work within the Durham Light Infantry, on 19 March 1916. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and appointed Armourer Staff Sergeant with D.L.I on 24 June 1916. On the 29 October 1917 he joined the Armour Shop of the 20th Division in France. He continued to serve in France until 25 October 1918, when he had a short break at home (26 October 1918 to 9 November 1918). He returned to France until 25 February 1919, when he was transferred for dispersal. On 25 March 1919 he was transferred to Class Z reserve. His address was given as 2 Priestley Street, Thornton.
On the 24 March 1920 he underwent an Army Medical Examination where it was stated that his disability, “Valvular Disease of the Heart”, originated on 25 March 1919, in England. He had been a patient at St. Luke’s Hospital since 12 March 2020 when his temperature had been sub-normal, except for 13 March when it was 99.2F His condition caused great distress. He had palpitations, numbness in and clubbing of his fingers, and shortness of breath on exertion. It was agreed that his condition was 100% attributable to war service. He was expected to live for about 6 months. He was awarded a pension from 9th February 2020. He died on 13 June 1920. Probate was granted to his wide Charlotte. His widow and son were living at 9 Southey Place, Barkerend in 1939. She died at 5 Woodhall View Thornbury in 1961.'