Harold Wilkinson was born in Ettingshall, Bilston to James wilkinson and sarah Ann Price. The family relocated to Ellesmere Port in the early part of the 20th century. Many Bilston and Wolverhampton families did so in order to work at a new corrugated steel producing factory opened by a company already operating in Bilston. Many of these families were so desperate for work that they walked all the way from Bilston to Ellesmere Port along the canal tow path taking their possessions with them.

Whilst many of his cousins in the Black Country joined their local regiments the Staffs and the Worcs Harold joined the Cheshire regiment on the 14th August 1914.

Harold received gunshot wounds to the abdomen and was being shipped back to England. He died on 3rd September and was buried at sea on 4th September 1915.

He is remembered on a plaque which was situated at the rear of the British Legion Club, Ellesmere Port.

He is also remembered in Bilston by members of his extended family.

Lisa Gibbons