Harold was born in 1899 to coal merchant, Henry & his wife Rose Maria.

In the 1911 census he is living at 41 Edward Street, Luton with his parents & siblings. He has 3 sisters Rose Maria 26, 15 year old Maud, an apprentice dressmaker & Beatrice Elvira, 9 who is at school. He also has 5 brothers Harry 22 &  Frederick 20, working as coalmen, William 17 is a clerk, 9 year old Alfred Charles & 7 year old Stanley Albert are at school.

Luton-born Pte Alfred William Simpson, 8928, 2nd Durham Light Infantry, was killed in action in France on February 24th, 1915. He was aged 38.

He was the eldest of three sons of Mr and Mrs Alfred Simpson, who had lived at 15 Liverpool Road, Luton, for over 30 years. Alfred Simpson was born in Park Street, Luton, and was educated at Buxton Road School.