Driver Harry Penton, Norton Canes

Description:Harry was born into a coal mining family in Norton Canes in 1896, one of 11 children. The family moved to Cannock after 1900. Harry worked at Littleton colliery all of his working life except when he served in the first world war in the Royal Engineers, 2nd North Midland Field Company. His rank was Driver (equivalent to Private ). Each Driver looked after 2 horses. They would usually join up with 2 other drivers to form a 6 horse team which pulled a wagon. This was the main transport to and from the front carrying arms, food medical supplies and casualties back from the lines. They would also pull heavier artillery into position at times. Drivers would often also be trained as relief gunners. It was a dangerous job. The wagons would frequently be targeted by enemy machine gun fire and artillery to try disrupt supply lines to the front line troops. The carnage of dead & maimed men and horses was not uncommon.

Mike Inskip