Herbert was the 2nd son of Robert & Jessie Croft, and first appeared on a census in 1901. Robert 41, head of the household was a Painter who had been born in Hawarden as all the family were. Robert’s wife Jessie was 42. The listed children were Thomas A. Croft 13, Ethel M 8, Herbert 3 and Frank was 7 months. They all lived at Dee View, Hawarden, Flintshire.
The 1911 census shows the family still living at Dee View, Hawarden. Robert 52 was a House Painter. His wife of 25 years, Jesse was 53. 6 children had been born, but they had lost 1 child. (See family grave below). Herbert was 13, Frank 10 and Elsie was 7.
The child they had lost was Martha. She was commemorated on the family grave.
“Martha”
The beloved daughter of
Robert & Jessie Croft of Sandycroft
who died August 10 1897, aged 2 years 10 months
“Suffer Little children to come unto me”
There is an index card (Queensferry F 8) for Herbert in The Flintshire Roll of Honour at The County Record Office in Hawarden. The card records his name and the address given is , “Eastwood”, Hawarden. It tells us that his period of service was 2 and 1/2 years and that he died in 8th Canadian Stationary Hospital, Dun Kerqueon the 10th February 1919. The card was signed by R. Croft (Father) dated 20th October 1919. (His Father wrote the card out and signed it in wonderful writing.)
The UK, Army Registers of Soldiers’ Effects, 1901-1929 in which the moneys owed to deceased soldiers was calculated, tells us that he died in Dunkirk and that the Regimental Paymaster at Woolwich took a recharge of £3. 16s 8d on the 29th May 1919. The sole Legatee was his father Robert who was paid £21. 14s 2d which included a War Gratuity of £14 on the 15th July 1919.
The Imperial War Museum – Memorial Project two entries for Herbert.
Hawarden
Description
Headstones with double kerbstones and lead lettering.
Inscription
In Loving memory of Herbert H Croft, Bertie. Who died in France whilst on active service, February 10 1919 aged 21 years. Rest in peace.
Battlefield cross with brass plaque at the centre. – Inscription – Driver H. Crofts R.A.S.C. Age21 / Died 10.2.1919 / Dunkirk
Herbert is remembered on the Queensferry School War Memorial in the War Memorial Institute.