Harry Piper was born in about 1890 in Woodford. He was the son of Albert and Charlotte Piper.
In 1891, Harry, aged one, was living at his grandparents’ house at 2 Avenue Road, Woodford. By 1901, Harry’s father had died, and Harry and the rest of his family were living at 11 Avenue Road, Woodford. In 1907, Harry joined the Rifle Brigade, remaining with the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Essex Regiment for six years. At the same time he was employed as a grocer’s assistant by W. Cullum, of High Road Woodford Green.
In 1911, Harry joined the army as a Private with the 1st Battalion, North Staffordshire Regiment.
Harry was sent to the Western Front with the Battalion and arrived in France on 10th October 1914. 111 Corps, which included one North Staffordshire Regiment, advanced to the River Lys from St. Omer, but on 13th October 1914 during the Battle of Armentières encountered a strong German defense line behind the Meteren Becque stream. No Cavalry support was available, so the troops mounted a frontal attack on the German positions. After an all-day battle and 708 casualties, the Germans were driven back. Harry Piper was killed in action during that day.
Research by Adrian Lee and Redbridge Museum
Sources:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Ancestry.com