Universities at War

Denys was born in 1895 to Henry and Maud Armstrong, of 34 Osborne Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne. He had four siblings: Henry, born around 1887, Reginald, born around 1898, Esther Helen, born around 1903, and Elizabeth Maud, born around 1905. His father was the Secretary to the Y.M.C.A. in Newcastle. Denys was educated at Bootham School, York, and Armstrong College (1913-1915). At the outbreak of war he was serving an apprenticeship with Messrs. Swan, Hunter and Co., as a naval architect.

On 12 June 1915 Denys joined the 5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers as a 2nd Lieutenant (he was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant on 2nd September, 1915) and served with B Company as Platoon Commander.  Denys became Second Lieutenant on the 12th June 1915.

Denys died of his wounds on 3rd October 1916 aged 20. This was the 3rd day of the Battle of Le Transloy on the advance to Le Sars as part of the final British offensive of the Battle of the Somme.