In memory of Harry Dent Crompton
Harry Dent Crompton hailed from the north west of England, where his family had links to the cotton industry going back over 150 years, writes Adrian Hughes. In 1779 his forefather Samuel Crompton invented the cotton-spinning mule, which revolutionised the industry.
Harry was educated in Colwyn Bay before moving to Epworth College in Rhyl. He went on to train in cotton spinning, weaving and textile design at the Harris Institute, Preston, then represented a Farnworth textile company on the Manchester Stock Exchange.
He enlisted in the army soon after war broke out in August 1914, first as an air mechanic. He was later given a commission in the West Lancashire brigade of the Royal Field Artillery.
After a period of training and flying ‘solo’ for 15 hours he was awarded his “wings” in September 1915 and became a pilot in the 4th squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. He first saw active service in October 1915. During the Battle of the Somme, Harry flew his Be2 aircraft over enemy lines, tracking the position of advancing troops and making regular reconnaissance and artillery-spotting missions.
Harry had the rank of Second Lieutenant when he was killed in action at Courelette on 4 December 1916, aged 21. He was buried at Contay British Cemetery, Contay, in the Somme area of France.
His father, John, established a prize fund in his son’s name for students of The Textile Institute who furthered “the knowledge of textile technology”.
