In 1938 he married Irene Groom. They had three boys in 1940, 1942, and 1946. During the war she moved back to live with her parents whilst Harry was in the army.
After the war, Harry went to work in the Grooms Factory, a clothing manufacturer owned by Irene's parents and where she had worked before and during the war. It has started out in an old Army hut in the early 1920s, before moving to a custom built factory at the end of the decade. During the war they worked on a contract from Boots to produce towelling for use in gas masks, as well as bras for Marks and Spencers. After the business was sold in 1963, they went on to set up other businesses as well.
| Unit or location | Role | Posted from | until |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Lincolnshire Scout Section | Scout Section Sergeant | 09 Nov 1940 | 23 Apr 1943 |
| Massingham Mission | SOE Agent | 13 May 1943 | 1945 |
| Massingham Mission | SOE Agent | 13 May 1943 | 1945 |
Haulage Contractor
Enlisting in May 1940, his basic training was at the Leicester Infantry Training Centre
9 Nov 1940 He volunteered for service with the Scout Sections of Auxiliary Units. His rank at this time is unknown.
24 Apr 1943 Transferred to Special Operations Executive. He was given the ID 11754. After initial screening, he left for the North Africa on 10 May 1943 to join the Massingham Mission as an Non-commissioned Officer. He held the rank of War Substantive Sergeant
1 Apr 1944 Awarded a Commendation Card
29 Mar 1946 he was released from the Army
previously Treloyon, Clown Road, Barlborough, Nottinghamshire (Sep 1939)
His SOE Personnel file gives his date of birth 29 Dec 1917
The National Archives HS9/662/2 SOE Personnel file
Irene Hardstaff's account of their business career
https://royalleicestershireregiment.org.uk/entity/94486-hardstaff-harry…