Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas White, a gardener, born 1827 in Mansfield, Notts., and his wife, Susannah, born 1837 in Arnold, Notts. Harry was born in 1876 in Mansfield, Notts., his siblings were, John T., born 1860 in Arnold, Notts., Betsy A., born 1861, Mary, born 1864, Sam, born 1866 and Arthur, born 1873, the latter four siblings were all born in Mansfield, Notts., in April 1881 the family home was at 3, East Court, Mansfield, Notts. In April 1891 Harry was employed as a shoe trade worker and was residing in the family home at 8, Bradley’s Buildings, Pelham Street, Mansfield, Notts., together with his widowed mother and siblings, Betsy, a cotton spinner, Sam, a shoe trade worker, Arthur, a coal miner and Lucy, a schoolgirl, born 1882 in Mansfield, Notts.
The War Diary for today records. Proceeded from billets to trenches taking over from the 2nd/3rd GURKHA RIFLES. A, B and D Coys in firing line. C Coy and HQ’s in billets on RUE DES BARCEAUX.
On Friday January 15th 1915, The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – ANOTHER LOCAL CASUALTY. – This week we have to add yet another to the formidable list of local casualties which have occurred in connection with the war, the victim on this occasion being Sergt. Harry White, of the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, who was killed in action on December 17th. Although not a native of Melton Mowbray, deceased had been associated with the town for a long time, and was well known and highly respected. Born at Mansfield, he came to Melton 20 years ago, and, with other members of his family, worked in the boot and shoe trade for Mr. Walter Leader, Nottingham St. Exactly 16 years ago this month deceased enlisted in the 2nd Leicestershire’s, being first stationed in Ireland, and then removed to Egypt. On the outbreak of the Boer War the regiment was ordered to South Africa, and for the part he took in that campaign White received the Queen Victoria and King Edward Medals. At the close of the war, he went out to India, from which country his regiment returned eight years ago to be stationed at Shorncliff, and afterwards Aldershot. Three years ago, they again went out to India, coming back with the Indian contingent in order to take part in the present war. His mother who accompanied him to Melton in the first instance, died seven years ago. Up to the beginning of last December Sergt. White regularly corresponded with his sister Mrs. Chamberlain, of Pall Mall, Melton Mowbray, who last heard from him on the 10th ult. In that letter he stated that he was still in the land of the living, but would have to postpone his anticipated Christmas visit to Melton, though he hoped to come another year. As no further letter was received by any of his relatives, they naturally became anxious, and last Monday week it came to Mrs. Chamberlain’s knowledge that someone in the town had received a letter from a friend at the front in which he stated that Sergt. White, of the 2nd Leicestershire Regiment had been killed. At her request Mr. R. W. Brownlow, as local secretary to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families Association, communicated with the War Office, and received a reply stating that as far as they knew White was still in his regiment, but the worst news was confirmed by the official intimation which arrived on Wednesday morning. Sergt. White, who was 39 years of age, was well known in football circles. He was a fine player, and was equally at home in any position. He rendered useful service to the old Melton Town Football Club, and has also formerly played for Syston. He assisted them the year they won the Rolleston Cup, and received one of the medals. Whenever he was home on furlough in the football season, Sergt. White donned the Melton Town Colours. While in South Africa, he won two silver tankards. He was also a capital exponent of hockey and cricket. It is five years since deceased last visited Melton. His death occurred on his sister’s birthday. Whilst in barracks at Shorncliff deceased married a young lady residing in the town, and she and their first child accompanied him to India, where two more children have been born. The widow and family were on their way home to England when Sergt. White was killed, and they are believed to have landed at Southampton last Monday.