Harry Raby BAILEY

BAILEY, Harry Raby

Service Numbers: 440, 2435
Enlisted: 26 August 1914, Melbourne, Vic.
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 38th Infantry Battalion
Born: Dunedin, New Zealand, 11 April 1888
Home Town: Not yet discovered
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Groom
Died: Otago, New Zealand, 24 December 1957, aged 69 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Timaru Cemetery
Memorials:
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World War 1 Service

26 Aug 1914: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 440, 8th Infantry Battalion, Melbourne, Vic.
19 Oct 1914: Embarked Private, 440, 8th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Benalla, Melbourne
19 Oct 1914: Involvement Private, 440, 8th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '9' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Benalla embarkation_ship_number: A24 public_note: ''
20 Oct 1916: Involvement Private, 2435, 38th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '18' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: HMAT Port Lincoln embarkation_ship_number: A17 public_note: ''
20 Oct 1916: Embarked Private, 2435, 38th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Port Lincoln, Melbourne

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Biography contributed by Faithe Jones

Son of George and Maria Bailey née Cullis

Harry had 2 brothers and 3 sisters, they grew up in North East Valley in Dunedin. His Father George was a tailor and had a large drapery business in North East Valley, Harry’s father wanted him to join the family business but instead Harry became a groom as he was very fond of horses. The plan was for Harry to have his overseas experience then return home to be involved in his father’s drapery business. Harry was in Australia when war was declared in August 1914.

Upon his discharge, he returned back home to NZ. Arriving back in Dunedin with his smart Australian Imperial Force uniform, Harry caught the eye of Mary Ferguson who was also from North East Valley. They married in 1921 and raised a family of 5 children 2 sons 3 daughters. Harry did not return to his fathers drapery business which may have been a point of contention at the time, but instead worked for the NZ Railways as a surface man. The family moved with him all around New Zealand’s South Island with his different postings, the family finally settled in Timaru. Harry was badly injured in a shunting accident during the 40s and would walk with a cane.
Harry and Mary retired to Hampden. Later on Christmas Eve 1957 Harry passed away leaving behind Mary and 4 of their children.
Harry was 69 years old.

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