Harry Edward Bolton was born on 24 December 1870 in Peckham, London. He emigrated with his family to Western Australia at the age of 16, arriving on 21 June 1887.[1][2]
Bolton began working on the railways in 1890 where he became involved in the trade union movement. In 1900, he was elected president of the Enginedrivers', Firemen and Cleaners' Union.[3]
In 1906 he raised in parliament allegations against railways commissioner William James George that he had suppressed information on illegal activities of two senior railways officials John T. Short and George Alfred Julius.[4] A royal commission dismissed the allegations.[citation needed] The Premier of Western Australia moved to censure Bolton following the commission's report.[5]
On his return from service in France, Bolton advocated for better treatment of returned servicemen. He was of the opinion that soldiers should have direct representation in parliament and that the existing parties did not adequately serve those who had fought for their country.[8]
During World War I, Bolton enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 23 February 1916 whilst a serving member of parliament serving in the 59th Broad Gauge Railway Operating Company, 3rd Railway Corps. He gained the rank of liuetenant.[2][6]
In late 1918, it was reported that Bolton was suffering from "disordered action of the heart" and being treated at the 3rd General Wandsworth Military Hospital in London. There was speculation his illness may have been the result of shell shock.[12]
Personal life
On 1 December 1892, Bolton married Alice Matthews at Johnston Memorial Congregation Church in Fremantle. The couple had five children. Alice died in 1936.[2][13]
His eldest child, Laura Mildred Bolton, died in 1904 at the age of nine.[14]
^"West Province Election". Nor-west Echo. Vol. 8, no. 376. Western Australia. 12 July 1919. p. 10. Retrieved 16 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
^"LIEUTENANT HARRY BOLTON". The Daily News (Third Edition). Vol. XXXVII, no. 13, 656. Perth. 29 November 1918. p. 4. Retrieved 16 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Family Notices". The West Australian. Vol. 52, no. 15652. Perth. 25 August 1936. p. 9. Retrieved 16 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Family Notices". The West Australian. Vol. XX, no. 5701. Perth. 22 June 1904. p. 1. Retrieved 16 May 2024 – via National Library of Australia.