His Medals
I have been asked to do a bit of research into the life of Harold Goldsmith Mansfield (1879 - 1962). He was the Father of a friend of mine and I am doing the research on behalf of his Daughter.
Born just outside London, during his 83 years he worked on a sheep farm in New Zealand, served in the Boer War then served 5 years in the North West Mounted Police in Canada.
Whilst in Canada he was part of the British Columbia Yukon Boundary Survey team, and has a mountain named after him - Mount Mansfield.
He fought in World War I and was awarded the Military Cross at the 1st Battle of Gaza. The citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
He did most excellent service as battalion Lewis gun officer, attending to a mortally wounded officer under fire, and when himself was hit and unable to move he refused aid until others had been removed.
His pluck and unselfish conduct set a fine example to the men.
In 1929 he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
When World War II was declared he enlisted with the 83rd Light Anti-Aircraft Battery at Croydon Aerodrome. He told the authorities he was 49 - but he was in fact 60. He was discharged in 1942.
After living around the London area (Guilford & Croydon) he bought a house in Hebden Bridge (Lumb Bank) in 1953 after seeing it advertised in Exchange & Mart for £1,700. He chose the Calder Valley because it reminded him of Canada.
I think this research will be a long and interesting challenge.:-)
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