LEATHERHEAD WAR MEMORIALS - WWII

Harold J Prentice

Town Memorial World War II

Harold James Prentice has so far not been traced on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission database.

It is understood that Harold did not serve in the armed forces but was involved in some 'undisclosed activity'. His death was not from natural causes and was assumed to have been connected with his work. (1)

He was a member of the Leatherhead Wesleyan Chapel and married Hilda Muriel Gattey (19 June 1907-1981) on 9th September 1933. On the marriage certificate he was then 26 years old and was living at 8 Copse Road, Cobham. His profession was given as 'Chemist'. Harold and Hilda lived in Highlands Avenue. (1). Hilda's birth in 1907 was registered in Merton (2). In the 1911 Census Hilda's adress was 493A Kingston Road, Merton S.W.

The Gattey family were well known among Leatherhead Methodists

Harold's birth in Cobham was registered in September 1906. His father was John Prentice born in 1870 in Offton, Suffolk. His mother was Mary Ann Prentice née Southgate born 12 March 1869 in Bamford Suffolk.

In the 1911 Census when he was aged 4 his siblings were Edward John Prentice aged 11 and George Arthur Prentice aged 7.

He died on 15 Aug 1942 aged 35. An address 5, Hide Road, Kidderpore, Calcutta, West Bengal, India was recorded. He was buried the following day.
He was a resident of 16, Highlands Avenue, Leatherhead, Surrey, England. (2)

In 1939 Harold and Hilda were living with her parents at 16, Highlands Avenue where she had been living since at least 1932. Her mother Hannah Maria Gattey née Brock (b1882 or 1883) died on 20 Oct 1949 when living at 16, Highlands Avenue. Her father Arthur John Gattey (b1880) died when living at South Street Dorking on 4 September 1958. (2)

Sources:

(1) Meredith Worsfold, of Leatherhead Methodist Church, whose source is Mrs Joan Rowe (daughter of Robert Mould who with his brother managed the emporium in Leatherhead High Street which was established by their father, Stephen Mould.)
(2) Ancestry.com

the website editor would like to add further information on Harold Prentice
e.g. a photo of him, his grave and of any recollections within his family

last updated 2 Nov 2004: 1 Feb 2018