On the evening of 21 July, Henry took supplies up to his battalion in the front line near Marmetz Wood.  As his men unloaded the horses, he went over to speak to the commanding officer and a group of other officers.  At the moment, a German shell fell near the group, injuring 12 of them plus 3 horses.

Henry, suffering a severe head wound, was taken with the others to a dressing station but never regained consciousness and died that night.

Despite his junior officer status, Henry’s family received a message of condolence from the King and Queen and he also mentioned in despatches by Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig.  His commanding officer wrote of him: “He was so gallant and full of energy. We all had the greatest admiration and respect for him.”

jane elder