Pte Henry Bunyan MM, 33018, 6th Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, was killed in action in the battle of the Lys in Flanders on April 26th, 1918, when the Allies were about to halt the German spring offensive of 1918.

He had joined the 5th Bedfords (3666) just before the outbreak of war and was mobilised when hostilities began. After being drafted to France he fought at Ypres, Arras, Messines and on the Somme. He gained his Military Medal for bravery in the field in October 1917.

Born in Luton in 1897, Henry was described in an article on the award of his MM as the adopted son on Mrs [Rosetta] Croft, of 6 St Ann's Road, Luton. No report of his death appears to have been published in local newspapers, but other records reveal that the maiden name of Rosetta was Bunyan and that she had married Frederick Croft in Luton in 1882. Henry's military records seem to suggest a father's name of Henry Smith, of 116 New Town Street, Luton – he is listed in directories of the time.

Prior to joining the Army, Henry was a straw worker employed by G. Carruthers, bleachers and dyers, of Park Street, Luton.

Henry Bunyan is commemorated on the Luton Roll of Honour/War Memorial, on a memorial in St Mary's Church and in the Book of Life compiled at the Parish Church.