Surname:	Obee
Forename(s):	Harry
Rank:	Lance Corporal
Service number:	S/11332
Regiment:	5th Cameron Highlanders
Date of death:	18 July 1916 Aged 38
Place of death:	Somme
Buried Commemorated	Unknown Thiepval Memorial Pier 15 face B – Kingussie War Memorial, Kingussie and Insh Memorial in Kingussie Parish Church and  Alvie War Memorial, Kincraig

Background

Harry’s (Henry) parents John William Obee and Ann Gray were married at St Pauls, Hammersmith, Middlesex on 8 December 1862. 

Harry’s (Henry) was born c 1878 in Putney to John William (Works Foreman) and Ann Obee (m.s.Gray).  Harry was baptised 20 July 1879 at St Mary, Putney.

1881 Census Henry was living at Putney, Wandsworth. At the 1911 Census Harry was working at Glenquoich Lodge, Glengarry as a domestic gardener living in the gardener’s bothy.

On the 5 December 1911 Harry (Henry), aged 32, married Johan, aged 36, (m.s. Campbell) at the Free Church Manse, Inverness. Johan was described as a Housekeeper. She died 5 May 1954 at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness aged 84 – widow of Henry Obee, soldier. In the 1921 Census she was living at Balavil Mains, Kingussie.

War Record

Harry enlisted at Balavil.  Harry was Killed in Action on 18 July 1916, aged 38 at the Somme. His body was not recovered and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.

He is also commemorated on Alvie War Memorial

From the Scotsman, 17 September 1921.
‘The memorial erected by the inhabitants of Alvie, Inverness-shire, to the men belonging to the parish who fell in the war was unveiled at Kincraig yesterday by The Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Lord-Lieutenant of the county, in presence of a large gathering of the ex-service men, local people, and visitors. The Mackintosh was introduced by Mr Macpherson of Balavil.’