Sapper Harry Perry, 184418, 526th Field Company Royal Engineers, was killed in action in France on July 27th, 1917. He was aged 25, single and his home was at 45 Boyle Street, Luton.

After receiving official notification, parents Daniel and Emma Perry learned from commanding officer Major Purcell that their son had been buried not far from the front line with two companions beside him. A cross had been erected to his memory, and a memorial service was to be held.

Harry Perry had joined up in June 1916 with others from the Diamond Foundry in Luton, where he had been employed as a moulder for over nine years. He had been in France only 15 weeks at the time of his death.

His last letter home, dated July 25th, said he had been out in the drenching rain at night putting up wire only 30 yards from the German front line. He added that the Germans let them know about it, for four of his chums were wounded.

"I was lucky," he said. "I had a piece blown out of my trousers about six inches long, but was not touched myself. We have to go up again tonight to finish the job, and I hope it will be finished too. It is too hot to be pleasant."

As a football enthusiast while at the Diamond Foundry, Sapper Perry had been looking forward to a sports day behind the lines on August 3rd.