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Son of Richmond and Alice Harding, of "Cranmore," Osterley Rd., Isleworth, Middx.; husband of Agnes Dorothea Norman (formerly Harding), of Johannesburg, South Africa. Born in 1887 and educated at St. Pauls, where he developed a very great athletic ability. He represented his School at Cricket and Football and was the champion fives player. In 1910 he became a member of the Stock Exchange. It was then that he became a first class Lawn Tennis player. He was the champion of the Chiswick Park Lawn Tennis Club and played in many open tournaments. In 1914 he was playing splendidly and reached the final for the plate at Wimbledon. He was given a commission in the 18th Battalion, London Regiment (London Irish Rifles) in August 1914, and was promoted to Captain in May of the next year. With the famous 60th Division he saw active service in France, Salonica, Egypt and Palestine, and was Mentioned in Despatches. He was mortally wounded at Tel el Sheria on the morning of the 7 November 1917. His General wrote: "I knew him very well, as shortly before these operations commenced his company won the prize for the smartest company in the Division. He was the very best type of a fearless and true leader." His Colonel wrote: "He had done so splendidly all through the fighting and led his men in the assault with such gallantry and dash that, had he lived, I should certainly have recommended him for the Military Cross." |
