Henry was born in Barnsley, the son of Thomas Edward, a secretary to the Carlton Main Colliery Co. and Annie, who had previously lived at Briarmain, Grimethorpe, Barnsley. He had 7 siblings - sisters Dorothea Annie Josephine, Maude Marion Elizabeth, and Laura Mary J, and brothers Eric Edward, Charles Clifford, David Winifred, and Arthur Ronald.
Henry was educated at Archbishop Holgate’s Grammar School, York, and later Armstrong College. The De Ruvigny Roll of Honour lists him as a Mining Engineer.
On 26 Feb 1918 He married Edna Holdsworth, who had previously lived at Woodstock, Franklin Mount, Harrogate. Edna was the daughter of John Johnson, a grocer. Henry's last known address was 28 Leeds Road, Harrogate.
Henry was commissioned into the Durham Light Infantry, 8th Battalion in August 1914. He served in France from 1915 and 1916, where he was wounded. He then served with the Durham Light Infantry, 13th Battalion in 1917 before transferring back to the 8th Battalion sometime in 1918 at the rank of Captain. He was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on 23 October 1914. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 6 April 1915, and then to Captain on 14 April 1917. He was wounded in the Second Battle of Ypres 24 May and invalided home. Henry returned to France in Feb 1916 and in July 1916 was again invalided home suffering from trench fever. On recovery he immediately volunteered for active service and rejoined his battalion in France in 5 Jan 1917.
Henry was killed in action in Estaires, near Merville on 10th April 1918 aged 25. Writing to his wife to describe the particulars of Henry's death, his Commanding Officer said that Henry and his men were holding a forward position, and 'by personal example to the men under his command they held on to this position for several hours.' Eventually the position became untenable and orders were sent to Henry to bring his men back to another point. 'On being asked if he himself was coming, he replied that he would first see all the men out.' Shortly after this remark, Henry was shot in the head and killed instantly. The Adjutant described Henry's death as 'One of the bravest acts I have encountered out here'.