Harry Pendry Boreham

Harry Boreham was a Lieutenant in the 18th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who was killed by rifle fire near Méteren, France, on 16 April 1918 while his unit was engaged in defensive operations and a counter-attack against advancing German forces.

Civilian Life - Harry Boreham was born in Pinner and baptised there on 26 January 1890. He was the son of Harry and Emma Boreham. In 1911, the family was living in a house called Balvaig in Green Lane, Northwood, Middlesex, it was the home of his grandfather, George Pendry. His father worked as a railway clerk for the London and North Western Railway.

Military Life - During the First World War, Harry served with the 18th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, a pioneer battalion. He held the rank of Lieutenant. The battalion was heavily engaged in defensive operations during the German advance in April 1918. On April 16, 1918, during the Battle of the Lys the 18th (1st Public Works Pioneers) Battalion, Middlesex Regiment launched a heroic counter attack near Meteren. Supported by French armoured cars, they successfully pushed forward to the main road despite heavy machine-gun fire. German forces had broken through and gained a position in the village.

During the fighting, Harry's company commander attempted a counter-attack to check the advance. Harry was killed by rifle fire alongside fellow officer Second Lieutenant H. C. Bradbury, who was killed by artillery shellfire. Harry was 28 years old. His body was not recovered or could not be identified after the fighting, and consequently he has no known grave. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial in Pas-de-Calais, France. A memorial at Emmanuel Church, Northwood records that Harry was “killed leading his men in a counter attack” near Méteren on 16 April 1918 and gives his age as 28.

A fellow rifleman, R. J. Hawtin wrote to one of Charlie's sisters (we don't know which one.) He described Charlie as his best chum and reported that he had been buried behind the firing line by members of his section. Hawtin also forwarded a letter found on Charlie's body to her. The plaque reads

To the Glory of God And in Loving Memory of Harry Pendry Boreham

Lieutenant 18th Middlesex Regiment Pioneers

Only beloved son of Harry White and Emma Boreham

Who was killed leading his men in a counter attack near Meteren, France,

on the 16th April 1918, aged 28 years.

“Alike in Peace and War One Path He Trod. His Path was Duty, and His Guide was God.”

He is also commemorated on the Loos Memorial and on the memorial at John Lyon School. Our research does not record an occupation for Harry before his military service, nor does it establish details of university education or marriage.