Harry was born in early 1894 in Preston Brook and was the son off Arthur, born in Derbyshire and Annie Potts from Aston. They were living in one of the Canalside Cottages with the rest of the family, Mary born c1887 and Alfred born c1890. Sadly, another child was born, but died in infancy.
In 1911, the family was living in Sunnyhill, Preston-on-the-Hill. Both Arthur and Alfred worked as canal porters, whilst Harry was a clerk for the soap manufacturer, William Gossage & Sons in Widnes.
Harry enlisted just a month after war was declared but was not sent to France until May 1915. He was promoted to lance corporal and then wounded in July 1916. Harry returned to the front on 4 October, but was wounded for a second time on 24 October, suffering a broken arm and several flesh wounds. He was sent to a London hospital to recuperate.