Henry was born in Reading, Berkshire, England, the son of chimney sweep Charles and mother Catherine. After the father died in 1902 the mother remarried. Times were hard and ill health meant the family could not look after Henry and his brother Albert. They were taken into the care of Dr Barnardos and in 1905 shipped off to Canada to work on farms. They were just two of many thousands of British Home Children who ended up in Canada.

When war in Europe broke out Henry returned to Reading before heading off to France to fight with  33rd division, Royal Engineers. He was a driver who looked after the horses used for transportation of guns etc. He was hit by an enemy shell while looking after the horses, he was just 24 years old. His grave is at the Boyelles Communal Cemetery.

Jane Olsson