Henry George Harwood – Royal Artillery, 78 (The Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry) Medium Regiment

 Gunner Henry George Harwood – Royal Artillery, 78 (The Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry) Medium Regiment

Early Life and Family Background

Nelson Edward Harwood and Mary Elizabeth Davies marriage certificate St. Matthew's Church, Swansea

Henry George Harwood was born in 1910 in Swansea, the eldest son of Nelson Edward Harwood and Mary Elizabeth Davies, who married in 1907 at St Matthew’s Church, Swansea.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records the young family living at 42 Llangyfelach Road, Pentre Estyll, where Nelson Edward, aged 21, worked as a Boiler Fireman, and his wife Elizabeth, also 21, managed the home. Their only child at that time was Henry George, aged 1, and the household also included a servant, Edith Hopkins, aged 16.

Growing Up in Swansea

1921 Census

By the time of the 1921 Census, the Harwood family were living at 4 Evan Terrace, Swansea. Nelson Edward Harwood, aged 32, was employed as an Ironwork Erector and Galvanised Sheeter at the Steel & Tin Plate Works, while his wife Margaret Elizabeth, aged 31, undertook the household duties. Their children were Henry George, aged 11, and Edgar John, aged 6, both attending school, along with Nelson Dennis, aged 1. Also present in the household was Glyn Mary E. Harwood, an illegitimate child aged three months, and a boarder, Edith Mary Merchant, aged 27 — a snapshot of a busy and complex Swansea household typical of the industrial communities of the period.

1939 Register

Marriage and Working Life

In 1937, Henry married Edith J. Edwards, establishing his own home in Swansea. The 1939 Register records the couple living at 1 Owens Terrace, where Henry was employed as a General Labourer, and Edith undertook the household duties. Their life together unfolded against the backdrop of rising international tension as Europe moved towards war.

Service with the Royal Artillery

During the Second World War, Henry served with the Royal Artillery, specifically the 78 (The Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry) Medium Regiment, holding the rank of Gunner. Medium regiments operated heavy guns capable of long‑range fire, providing essential support to infantry and armoured units. Gunners were responsible for operating, maintaining, and firing artillery pieces, often under dangerous and demanding conditions. The Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry, originally a cavalry regiment later converted to artillery, played a significant role in wartime operations, and Henry’s service places him among the men whose endurance and skill formed the backbone of Britain’s artillery strength.

Henry George Harwood
St. Peter's Church, Cocktt
credit - findagrave

Death and Burial

Henry George Harwood died on 22 February 1947, in the difficult post‑war period when many servicemen were still recovering from the physical and emotional toll of wartime service. His death came less than two years after the end of hostilities, a reminder that the effects of war often lingered long after the fighting ceased.

Henry was laid to rest at St Peter’s, where he is remembered among the parish’s wartime dead. His life — from a Swansea childhood in an industrial household to wartime service in a distinguished artillery regiment — reflects the quiet strength and sacrifice of the men who served during Britain’s darkest years.