Henderson, Harold Thompson

Harold Henderson was born in Lethbridge, N.W.T. on May 21, 1889 to parents William and Margaret Henderson. He grew up in Lethbridge with siblings Margaret, Edna, Adelina, William and Fred. Somewhere along the way, he picked up the nickname “Toots”. The family was prominent in the community, his father having served a term as Mayor of Lethbridge. Harold graduated from Upper Canada College, and later owned and operated the Henderson Garage. This was during the very early days of the automobile industry, and the business was very successful. When war broke out, Harold was anxious to do his part. On September 26, 1915, he enlisted with the 82nd Battalion CEF. Pte Henderson arrived in England on May 29, 1916 on the Empress of Britain. About a month later, Pte Henderson was transferred to the Yukon Battery Canadian Motor Machine Gun Brigade, embarking for France on August 10, 1916. Pte Henderson remained at the front lines with the Yukon MMGB for six months and saw action at key battles including the Somme, Courcelette, and Arras On February 22, 1917, Pte Henderson was killed in action near Arras in France. He was laid to rest at Villers Station Cemetery. He was also commemorated on a plaque at Upper Canada College in 1921, and the Central School chapter of the Children of the Empire in Lethbridge was named in his honour. Harold Henderson was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. His mother, Margaret was awarded a Memorial Cross and death plaque in honour of her son