Harry LAWS

Harry is shown on CWGC records as the son of John and Ann of Blackhills, Queensbury, Bradford, pension records show that previously the family had lived at Tillotson Green, Littlemoor.

Little is known of the Laws family as they have not been identified on census returns, military records state that Harry was born in Bradford and enlisted in Blackburn.

Harry served in the 7th Battalion. Royal Dublin Fusiliers and was killed in action on 16th August 1915 at Gallipoli. The battalion war diary gives a detailed account of actions on the 16th. Having taken over positions at knoll, north east of Kireetch Tepe Sirt, relieving units who had attacked the previous day, the battalion was attacked at 03:30hrs by a ‘furious’ Turkish counter attack which continued until 09:00hrs.

Casualties were heavy as the Turks bombed (grenade) the line, unfortunately the Fusiliers had none and had to defend entirely with rifle and machine gun fire which was not accurate owing to steepness of the reserve slope. Two counter attacks of their own were launched as the Fusiliers desperately held on.

The war diary states, ‘that it was only due to the gallantry and heroism of the officers and splendid fighting spirit of NCO’s and fighting men of battalion that enabled the crest to be held during that terrible period’.

At 10:00hrs they were relieved and moved back to brigade headquarters, the battalion went into action with 21 Officers and 532 Other Ranks and came out with 10 Officers and 375 Other Ranks.

Harry has no known grave and is commemorated on the HELLES MEMORIAL (Panel 192 to 197).