William Harry Parsonage Gardner, known as Harry, was my paternal Great Grandfather. Historically Harry has a 'bad press' in the family. He is known as being a very difficult man and his son, Norman, reported that he had made his wife Lydia's life a misery, going years without speaking to her. After Lydia's death he married his cousin Criss Parsonage when they were both in their 70's following a relationship that had existed for a considerable number of years. Looking into Harry's timeline there is no doubt that he returned from WW1 suffering the effects of Mustard Gas. This may explain some of his behaviour towards his family.
Timeline
1877/78 Harry was born in Aston Subedge to William Ezra Gardner and Christiana, nee Parsonage. He was baptised at St Andrew's Church 
, Aston Subedge on 27th January 1878. Harry had an older sister, Eliza.
, Aston Subedge on 27th January 1878. Harry had an older sister, Eliza.1880 - birth of brother Frank
1881 - Census, the family are living in Village Road, Aston Subedge
1885 - birth of sister Selina
1891 - the family remain in Aston Subedge
1895 - Harry's mother Christiana dies
1897 - birth of half brother Clarence
1899 - 30th April married Lydia Stribblehill Cooper at St John's Worcester
1900 - birth of half brother Stanley Trevor
1900 - birth of son Cecil
1901 - Census, address 78 Avondale Road, Yardley
Occupation - Slatter, Coach Trade
Also living at the address is neice Edith, and Selina and John (Frank)
his brother and sister.
1904 - the family had moved to London and Harry's second son Norman Parsonage was born in Bexley.
1910 - address is 78 Bertram Road, Enfield
1911 - Census, the family are now living at 25 Alberta Road, Bush Hill Park, Enfield and Harry's occupation is a Coach Painter.
1916 - employed by Fountain Coach Builders, Enfield.
1914-1920 - Military Service - see later entry
1917 - the deaths of his father William Ezra and brother Stanley
1927 - the family are still living at Alberta Road, Enfield
1939 - living at 42 Primrose Lane, Birmingham along with Lydia and Cecil
1952 - death of wife Lydia
1953 - married Criss Parsonage (cousin)
1956 - died 29th March 1956 - living at 53 Baldwin's Lane, Hall Green, Birmingham
1956 - Probate granted to Norman and Cecil - £3,355 7s 3d
Military Record
Harry's service record shows that he enlisted aged 38 years in July 1916. His height was 5ft 6" and his girth expanded was 37.5" with a 2" range of expansion. His eyes were hazel and his hair was light grey. Harry signed to say that he was willing to be vaccinated and to be enlisted for general service.
Harry served with the South Staffordshire Regiment and his regimental number was 45137; he was mobalised on 28th July 1916.
Harry served in France from July 1917 to April 1918 when he was sent home after being gassed. He appears to have been in two military hospitals, one in Newcastle, and one nearer to home in Edmonton N18.
When he was assessed for a Pension the doctor wrote the Harry 'complains of shortness of breath, stiffness of legs, appetite fair, sleeps well, gets down and despondent. Can't do fine work that he used to.' The doctors decided that Harry's condition would improve and on 21st November 1919 he was demobalised for the effects of being gassed and trench fever, with a pension for 6 months.
He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal and was entitled to wear the "wound stripe". The award of a stipe to soldiers who have been wounded during WW! was authorised by Army Order 49 of 6 July 1916. This order allowed those who had appeared in a War Office casualty list to sew a two-inch strip of Russia braid onto the left sleeve of their service jacket.