Current Information:

Age-23

325, Norwood Road, Herne Hill

Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres

In early June, 1915, 12th Division, including the 7th East Surrey battalion of 37 Brigade, reached France and in June, after a period of trench instruction around Armentières, they took over a sector of the front line near Ploegsteert. 7th East Surrey had their first experience of the trenches between 30th June and 4th July after which they moved into billets in Pont de Nieppe. 

On 9th July they moved to Le Bizet where they were kept busy providing working parties for various tasks but mainly digging new trenches. Whilst on one of these working parties near Carter’s Farm on 13th July, Harry Armstrong was wounded when he was shot through the lungs. Because of the open and exposed nature of the land they could not bring him back until the evening and on the next day, 14th July, 1915, he died from his wound.