Private Harry Finch Groom

Army Number: 202607

Battalion: 11th Battalion Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regiment.

Awards: D.C.M. (Distinguished Conduct Medal)

Born and lived at Clay Cross, Derbyshire. Son of Thomas and Mary Ann Groom, of Broadley Terrace, Clay Cross, husband of Elizabeth Groom, of King Street, Clay Cross. He was a coal miner prior to enlisting at Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

He was awarded the D.C.M. London Gazette 30th October 1918 “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at St. Studio Ridge, Italy, on the 15th June 1918. This man, with another, volunteered to accompany his commanding officer to reconnoitre the enemy’s dispositions within our line. He showed great determination and courage throughout the reconnaissance, and when his commanding officer and the sergeant that formed the party had both been wounded actually on the parapet on the trench occupied by the enemy, this man with Private Springall brought back their commanding officer, who was unable to move, into safety. He behaved magnificently.”

Killed in action, 29th June 1918, aged 29, when the Austrians shelled battalion Headquarters at St. Savino, Italy.

Buried: Barenthal Military Cemetery, Italy. Plot 3. Row A. Grave 5

Private Harry Finch Groom is also commemorated on the following local memorials:–
St. Bartholomew’s Church War Memorial, Clay Cross, Derbyshire.