Seventh Generation

126. Donald HARDING served in the military Jan 1944-Jan 1948 in Singapore.^70,74 He served with The Royal Engineers, rank of SPR, army no. 14723672. After basic training in the UK he was en route for Burma on the troop ship when the Japanese surrender in 1945 resulted in a change of plans and he was diverted to Singapore to help maintain the garrison and supervise Japanese POW's. He was born on 30 Jan 1926 in Astbury Street, Congleton, Cheshire.⁶³ Between 1954 and 1980 he was a Clerk in R.H. Lowe Ltd, Congleton, Cheshire.⁷⁰ He died on 21 Mar 1995 in Macclesfield, Cheshire.⁷⁰ He was cremated on 29 Mar 1995 in Macclesfield Crematorium, Macclesfield, Cheshire.⁷⁰ His obituary reads as follows:^70,75 The funeral took place last Wednesday of Mr Donald Harding, aged 69, of St John's Road, Buglawton, whose death occured the previous Tuesday in Macclesfield District General Hospital.

Born in Astbury Street, the eldest of four brothers, the family moved to Bath Vale where he spent his childhood and attended Buglawton school.

In 1944, on his 18th birthday, he was conscripted into the army, where he served with the Royal Engineers firstly in Burma and then owing to the Japanese surrender, he was posted to Singapore for prisoner of war supervision until January, 1948.

It was always his wish to return to Singapore and he did this in 1991 as part of a nostalgic holiday.

He gained an excellent military record and was selected as part of a special parade in honour of King George VI's birthday.

He was employed by R.H. Lowe, Roldane factory for 32 years as a clerk. There he met his future wife, Joan, tying the matrimonial knot in 1954. They were to enjoy 41 happy years of marriage, extending the family with two sons, Nigel and Paul.

Very much a family man, he was always content to spend his time in the home. Most recently he worked as a lampshade trimmer at Astbury Lighting Ltd., and during his leisure time enjoyed walking, especially along parts of the Macclesfield Canal.

He always spoke of his army days with affection but his real passion was for aircraft. He made hundreds of model aircraft and regularly attended air tattoos.

The service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Macclesfield, was conducted by Bishop Cedric Knipe, where Mrs Mary Nelson was organist for the hymns "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "God Be With You". During the service a musical item was performed by the Macclesfield Ward Choir and tributes were paid by Messrs. Nigel Harding, Philip Clifford and Daniel Nelson. The closing prayer was given by Mrs Doris Gregson.

Cremation followed at Macclesfield Crematorium, where the hymn "How Great Thou Art" was sung.

Mourners who met at the church included: Mrs Knipe, Mr and Mrs D. Nelson, Mr R. Keller, <rs and Mrs P. Clifford, Mr D. Allen, Mrs J. Clifford, Mr D. Clifford, Mrs B. Schwartz, Mrs R. Wilkinson, Mrs M. Breed, Mrs P. Beard, Mrs J. Orr, Mrs L. Cross (rep Jim), Mr F. Hibbert, Mr and Mrs S. Beech, Mr and Mrs R. Machin, Mrs J. Lockley.

Mr and Mrs I. Lockett, Mr K. Trotter, Mrs E. Moss-Hawley, Mrs Cooper, Mr and Mrs M. Smallman, Mr Eastwood (rep Astbury Lighting Ltd), Mr ans Mrs A.V. Leese, Mr and Mrs K. Armitt, Mr and Mrs L. Gregson, Mrs J. Deery, Mrs E. Orange. Mrs Burgess, Mrs P. Richardson, Mr and Mrs S. Moss.

Bearers were Messrs. N., K., D. and G. Harding, D. Cox and C.J. Rymer.

The family flower arrangement (spitfire) was inscribed: God be with you till we meet again, Joan, Nigel and Paul.

Donations were received from: Linda and Jim Cross; Margaret and Don Proctor; Irene and Tom Tweats, Meeka and Cyril Jackson; Sandra, Trevor and Daniel; Auntie Gladys, Annette and family; Philip Clifford and family; Mrs D. Emburey; Margaret, Jim, Anita and Kevin; Friends from Derek Rose Ltd; Iris, Norman, Nigel and Karen Nicklin; Fran; Ann, Paul and Lisa Evans; Derek Harding; Phillip, Pat, Lorraine and Heath Cox; Kenneth, Brenda, David, Gary, Karen and families; Carol Frost; Mr and Mrs Roy Hancock, Alan and David; Jean and John Rymer and family; Derek Cox and Rory; Mr and Mrs Bennett and family; Harry and Val White; Joan, Nigel and Paul; Winifried and Dennis; Barbara and Pat Schwartz and family; Winnie and Harold Hulme.

Messrs. Congleton Funeral Service, 36 Rood Hill, Congleton, were funeral directors.

Donald HARDING and Joan COX were engaged in Aug 1951 in Congleton, Cheshire.⁶⁶ They were married on 27 Feb 1954 in St Stephen, Congleton, Cheshire.⁶⁶ Donald HARDING and Living had the following children:

+137	i.	Living.
138	ii.	Living.