Harold Douglas son of Herbert Hanks of Ealing, manager, and Anna Louise (baptismal record)
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At the time of the 1901 England Census Harold D Hanks, age 20, born in Ealing Middlesex, decorator's clerk, was with his parents in Windmill Hill, Hampstead London.
At the time of the 1911 England Census Harold Douglas Hanks, age 30, born in Ealing, professor [of] physical culture, was with his parents at The Haven, Cooden Down, Little Common, Bexhill Sussex.
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AT THE FRONT.
The following are extracts from letters which have been received by Mr. Herbert Hanks, of Bexhill, from his son, Mr. Harold Hanks, who is in the machine gun section of the Royal Sussex Regiment:—
Monday, February 22nd, 1915.
I could write a very interesting account of my adventures, only it would be censored, and the letter then would be unintelligible, so I must write it in the best way possible. I have arrived here safely at a place in the North of France, after travelling on the sea sixteen hours, and then a march of five miles up a hill to a camp of tents, where we slept for the night. We then marched to the railway station, and after a wait of several hours, were entrained and travelled in a cattle train for 25 hours, after which we marched eight miles. I am now pretty comfortable in a billet, so there is no longer reason to be anxious. The trains out here, at least, our train, travelled at a little over walking pace for the greater part of the distance.
March 3rd, 1915.
Thank Mother, -------- and ---- ---- for their letters, also for the blanket, which has added to my comfort a great deal. I am living now in a smaller village than last week. It is quite usual to see dogs at work here, in varied kinds of duties. There is a dairy farm here, and the churn is worked by a dog turning a wheel in the same fashion as the old spot dogs. They are used a great deal for drawing small carts about. I think I shall try and make arrangements for the blanket and things I cannot carry to be sent on to the next town or village we march to. I am quite well, and there is nothing to worry about as far as my safety is concerned. I may get an opportunity of getting in something later on. The weather is more or less wet, and the top-boots are very useful.
Later (not dated).
This place is on the borders of Belgium. Everything is very pleasant at present, and the mud is drying up in parts, although there is still plenty of it. There are plenty of warlike sights. The Red Cross motors and transport waggons are passing along the road. This is a resting place for soldiers after they have been in the trenches. I am one of eight billeted in the outhouse of a cottage. We have plenty of work to keep us amused, which is a good thing. It is rather interesting shopping in the village, as very few villagers can speak English, and I have been useful on several occasions on account of being able to speak French. P.S.—I have just received your letters, which were very welcome.
Bexhill-on-Sea Chronicle, 10 Apr 1915, p. 12
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HANKS INSTITUTE CONCERT.
A concert was given on Saturday last at the Hanks Soldiers' Institute, at which Gunner Pickup, Gunner Meakin, Gunner Peace, and Gunner Snape, sang ballads and duets. Gunner Clark gave several comic songs, Mr. Piper played the violin, Miss Andrews accompanied. Mrs. Stokes sang. Miss Webster recited, and Gunner Dix played the piano and sang excellently....
.... Mr. Harold Hanks, of physical culture fame, has been home on leave for the first time since he went to France last February. He had no time to come to Bexhill, but hopes to pay a visit soon, and when that happens, many hope to give him a real welcome for his kindness in lending his premises for so good a cause.
Bexhill-on-Sea Observer, 29 Jan 1916, p. 8
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In Apr 1919 H. D. Hanks, Lt. was a witness at the marriage of his sister Mabel Louise Hanks to John Bolingbroke in Bexhill.
In the 1939 Register Harold D Hanks (b. 9 Jul 1880), dealer in real estate, and wife Marjorie J (b. 18 Apr 1891), unpaid domestic duties, were living in Many Trees Hastings Road, Battle, Sussex.
In Mar 1963 Harold Douglas Hanks, retired physical training instructor, was granted Administration of his wife's personal effects.
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Harold Douglas Hanks of 43 Woodville Rd Bexhill-on-Sea Sx died 9 February 1972. Probate Brighton 12 May 1972. Effects £101794. 4
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