Military History

Henry is listed as being killed in action on 29th May 1916. The 11th Battalion war diary entries for the period 28th to 30th May are transcribed below and show he was one of three men killed or missing when they became detached from their patrol/party.

Hannescamps - 28 May 1916: Hostile artillery activity was not above normal during the day. By night our new works received 105mm shells every half hour from 11pm to 2.30am [29^th]. Situation on our front generally normal. Heavy gun fire for prolonged periods several times during night immediately south of us. Heavy shells about 7pm, Hannescamps received six of our left Coy.

Hannescamps - 29 May 1916: In the early hours of the morning a small party became detached from a large party covering the front of our left company during the progress of new work. One man was discovered killed, and two are missing.

Hostile artillery was less active than usual. In the morning 5.9 Howitzer shells fell in some profusion about Collingbourne Ave. Our 6” and 9.2 Hows retaliated with effect on Hostile Communication trenches.

Otherwise situation quiet, weather very wet, wind West.

Hannescamps - 30 May 1916: Situation normal; weather fine; wind West. Some hostile artillery activity on new trenches in front of Trench 66, no men were at work there, artillery ceased at about 11am.

A patrol consisting of L/Sgt de St. Croix and two others searched the Ravine for the 2 missing men. No signs of them were seen and no hostile patrols encountered.

The enemy appeared to be carrying on much work and later our artillery fired on the locality.

Work was continued on the new trenches in front of our right Coy by 150 of our own men and 200 of the 10^th Loyal North Lancs Regt. No hostile fire was opened.