The poignant story of Harold Henry Lane, a soldier who lost his life during the First World War, has been revealed through letters and military records. Born in Torquay, Devon, Harold was a draper by profession before moving to New Zealand, where he enlisted in the 1st New Zealand Expeditionary Force, Wellington Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion in August 1915.
After serving in Egypt, Harold was deployed to Northern France. A deeply moving letter dated June 19, 1916, from Captain Edward Elliott Malden, the brigade’s Chaplain, was sent to Harold’s mother in Bristol. It reads: “My dear Mrs Lane, you will already have heard the sad news about your son. He was one of the band of the gallant New Zealanders who carried out a raid on the German trenches last Friday night and early Saturday morning but most unfortunately your very brave son was hit on his way back to our own lines after having carried out all that they intended to do – he was brought into hospital on Sunday but in spite of all the doctors could do, he died.”
Private Lane was laid to rest at Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery in Armentieres, Northern France. The collection of his memorabilia includes a document from the Director of Graves Registration & Enquiries pinpointing the grave’s location and a photograph of his headstone.
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These treasured items will be featured in Wotton Auction Rooms’ upcoming sale on July 15 in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire.
Auctioneer and Managing Director Joseph Trinder shared: “This poignant collection of letters, medals, and ephemera tells the life and tragic death of Harold Henry Lane. It was consigned by a family near Bristol who hope to find a new home for these deeply personal pieces.”
Among the artifacts are Private Lane’s posthumously issued First World War medals and two Next of Kin Memorial Plaques—one for Harold and another believed to be for his brother, Frederick George Lane.
“We are still researching, but it appears both Harold and his brother Frederick lost their lives in the Great War, a sorrow no mother should endure. We take great care in passing these items to a new owner, as it’s incredibly moving,” added Mr. Trinder.
The collection, estimated between £200-500, also includes a photograph of Harold Lane. “Collectors who acquire this collection will not only preserve history but pay homage to a courageous soldier’s life and sacrifice,” Trinder remarked.