Sergeant Nelson John Harding
7th Battalion. Royal Irish Rifles
16/08/1917

1914-15 Star

Husband of Mabel May Swayne (formerly Harding, nee Bree), of 1 Pier Road., St. Helier, Jersey. Formerly served with East Battalion, Royal Militia of the Island of Jersey.

Killed in action, aged 32 years

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Thursday 30 August 1917

Roll of Honour. Yet another gallant Jerseyman must be added to the long list of members of the Jersey Company Royal Irish Rifles who have laid down their life for King and Country. This soldier, Sergeant N J Harding, formerly served in the East Battalion RMIJ and proved himself to be a most efficient soldier being popular amongst all ranks. His widow, who resides at Prospect Cottage, Greve d'Azette, was informed of her loss by Lieutenant Ogier in the following letter
"BEF France. 23 August 1917. Dear Mrs Harding, I very much regret that it is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your husband, Sergeant N J Harding, who was killed in action on 16 August 1917. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt sympathy on your very great and irreparable loss and may God comfort and console you in your loss. Although great is your loss one great consolation to you is to know that your husband gave his life for his Country and no finer death is there than that of a hero who died to save his Country and also helping to bring the war to an end, which we hope will be ere long. Your husband had served under my command for over 2 years and I could not have wanted a better NCO, one who always did his work willingly, cheerfully and excellently. He was most popular with all ranks and he will be sorely missed by all the officers, NCOs and men of my company. Once again I tend to you my most heartfelt sympathy on your very great loss of one who was so dear to you but you ought to be proud that your husband died a hero's death doing his work splendidly and gallantly. May God comfort and console you in this your hour of sore distress. I remain sincerely yours, C A OGIER, Lieutenant OC D Company 7th RIR. PS I shall be only too pleased to do anything to assist you as regards any information you may require if you write to me".

We tender all the relatives our sincere sympathy.