Harry William Crippin MC was born near Liverpool in 1889 and went to Wellington in 1902. He was in Toyes’ House, which later became the Talbot in 1914 and was a rugby cap. He went on to RMA Woolwich where he also got his Rugby Colours, and won the foils for Woolwich at the Military Tournament before being commissioned into the Royal Artillery.
He formed part of the British Expeditionary Force sent to France in 1914 as a Lieutenant and was appointed Gunner Adjutant in 1915, before being given command of a Field Battery. Crippin was mentioned in Despatches[1] and was awarded the Military Cross in February 1915 by Sir John French for gallant and distinguished service in the field. Appointed Brigade Major in 1916 he was killed in action on 8 September whilst reconnoitring new gun positions with his General.
He was 27.
He is buried at the Citadel New Military Cemetery, Fricourt.
Eighty-three OW Gunners gave their lives in the Great War, including three members of the Lodge.
