Harold William Cusick

Neath-born Harold Cusick was 13 when his father, John, was killed in a mining accident in October 1910. Like his brother, John, and deceased father he followed them into the local colliery at a young age. He also played for the local football team. Private Cusick enlisted two month after turning 18. In April 1917 he was severely wounded with gunshot wound to the right shoulder. In June 1918 he was withdrawn from the front and required two months to recover from trench fever. In September 1918 he was severely wounded again, in the buttocks. Upon his return to Neath, he was well enough in August 1920 to turn out for the “Diggers” team against the “Stockers” and kept playing in the following seasons. Harold Cusick married Matilda Oughton in 1920 and fathered four children. He died in Cessnock on Christmas Day 1958 at the age of 61.