3094 PTE. F. HARLING. L.N.LAN.R

Fred Harling enlisted as a Private in the 4th Battalion, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 26 May 1915 in Preston. He declared that he was 18 years old, and had been working as a weaver. At 5ft 4in, he weighed 100lbs and had a 32in chest, his physical development was assessed as being ‘fair, well developed’. Fred was given the service number 3094, then later the new number 201408. Fred was born in Chorley,  but baptised in Preston (25th January 1899), and at the time of him enlisting he was living at his fathers (Charles) address; 23 Thornton Street, Preston.

On 06 July 1915 at a medical inspection it was discovered that he was in fact under age. Looking back at census information we can see that Fred was 12 in 1911, making him 15 or 16 when he enlisted.

On 31 August 1915 he was transferred to the 42nd Prov Battalion, where he spent the next 12 months being posted back to the 4th Battalion on 28 August 1916.

On 09 February 1917 Fred embarked at Folkestone, disembarking in Boulogne and arrived in Etaples the following day. He was attached to the 1/5th (Territorial Force) Battalion on 03 March 1917.

A photo of either 1/4th or 1/5th? Battalion parading for the trenches; Wailly, 17th April 1916. (55th Division).

Fred Harling was killed in action on 30 July 1917. His personal effects (1 watch, 1 wallet and photographs) were sent to his brother, Robert. At the time of his death, he was now in fact only 18 years old.

Rank: Private
Service No: 201408
Date of Death: 30/07/1917
Age: 18
Regiment/Service: The Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, 1st/5th Bn.
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL; Panel 41 and 43.
Additional Information:
Son of Charles and Alice Harling, of 30, Thornton St, Preston.

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Paul McCormick

Paul McCormick is the creator and administrator for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment website. Since 2010 he has been researching the soldiers that served during the First World War and sharing their stories on his website. You can contact Paul through the website 'Contact Me' page or on Twitter and Facebook.

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