PITCHFORD, Harry MM

Harry Pitchford was born in Quarry Bank and was married to Eliza Pitchford of 2 A Court, Fenton Street, Brierley Hill. He enlisted in the Royal Engineers and went to the 171st Tunnelling Company which acquired a high reputation for its dangerous skills. Mining had developed in several sections on the Western Front and the troops were often selected from those who had mining experience. The Company worked at first near Ypres but was then sent to the Ploegsteert area and in 1916 to Spanbroek Mill at southern end of the Messines ridge. It was fearful work and the Company were responsible for the deep mining and great explosion which devastated the German trenches on the 7th August. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery but was killed in action two weeks later, possibly in Ypres. He is buried in Ypres Reservoir Cemetery (I E 44) beside the city’s west gate. He was 33 years of age and is commemorated on the Brierley Hill and Brierley Hill church Memorials.