Harry was born on the 4th January 1898 in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire and later lived in Kettering, Northamptonshire. His Christian name is Horace but was known as Harry. He began his working life as a tailor but later moved to the Post Office as a sorter at the Nottingham Office. Harry enlisted in 1914 and embarked for France on the 9th December 1915. He previously served with the 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment with the number 17169. 

Harry later transferred to the 2nd Battalion The Sherwood Foresters and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette of the 12th March 1919. The Citation reads ‘For marked gallantry and good work on the 8th October 1918 near Doon Mill. A Strong point on a sunken road was holding up the line on the left and he led four men round the flank, fired rifle grenades into the post and rushed it, capturing about forty prisoners. He then led his party round the flank of Doon Mill and helped to capture it. Throughout the operations he was always amongst the first to come to grips with the enemy, and set a splendid example to his comrades.’ He was awarded the M.M in the London Gazette of the 11th February 1920.  

He was an active member of British Legion and was presented with an inscribed clock. He was discharged on the 7th February 1919