George Harold Beadles was born on 28th September 1897 in Commercial Street, Newtown, Montgomeryshire. He was one of six boys and a girl, born to Thomas and Sarah Ann Beadles (nee Pearce). Harry was 3 when the 1901 census was enumerated. He lived at Bell Court, Commercial Street, Newtown with his mother Sarah Ann Beadles 34 and siblings Thomas E. Beadles 15, a draper's assistant, David C. Beadles, 9, William E. Beadles 7, Richard E. Beadles 5 and Sarah E. Beadles 1. His father was a quarryman, often working away from home for long periods of time, on developments such as the Elan Dam in Mid-Wales. George mostly known as "Harry" was educated at a local Board School, as his mother was keen her children should be educated, due to a lack of employment in the area. However due to economic and social reasons, Harry was forced to leave school aged 12 years, where he became employed at Pryce Jones Welsh Warehouse, Newtown, as a furrier and hosier. His elder brothers were also employed there, although sadly one of them Albert had been killed in 1900 age 12 years. He lost his life after being run over by a cart from Pryce Jones Warehouse in a parade, and the funeral was apparently paid for by Pryce Jones. Harry played the cornet for the Newtown Silver Band in his youth, whilst also keenly playing local amateur football. Upon the outbreak of WW1 in August 1914. Harry along with two of his elder brothers Ewart and Ernie, enlisted immediately into the first regiment formed in Newtown, the 1st/7th Royal Welsh Fusiliers (later part of the 53rd Division). Whilst Ewart and Ernie were of age Harry was only 16 years old, yet must have felt a sense of duty to King and Country, along with a wish to enlist with his brothers. The authorities must also have turned a blind eye! http://www.penmon.org/page60.htm
