Early Life and Family Background

Harry Driver was born in South Stoneham, Hampshire in 1887, the second son of Joseph Briggs Driver and Sarah Driver (née Farrar) and one of six siblings, which consisted of three brothers and two sisters. Both parents were senior school teachers, and it is believed that Harry taught at their schools prior to joining Wellington College. Reports from his youth describe him as adventurous.

Education and Early Career

Harry Driver attended Wotton Grammar School and later studied at the University of London as a mature student, graduating in 1913 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While pursuing his university studies, he also worked as an Assistant Master at Wellington from around 1910 to 1914 teaching mathematics. During his time at Wellington, Harry participated actively in school life. He played in both the First XI football and cricket teams - at that time, staff members often filled team spots. He also represented Norman in cricket, served as a Second Lieutenant in the Officers' Training Corps (OTC), and contributed to Senior Debates alongside students, showing how engaged and busy he was.

During early 1913 Harry undertook a trip to India and a brief account of his experiences was published in the College Magazine in the Summer Term - 1913 edition.

Career Plans and the Outbreak of War

In July 1914, Harry was preparing to start a position as a surveyor with the Colonial Office. However, the outbreak of war disrupted these plans. He immediately volunteered for service along with his two of his brothers, Rupert Arthur¹ (born 1889) and Bertram 'Bertie' Walter² (born 1892). Harry was soon commissioned into the 7^th (Service) Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment not long after its formation in September 1914, aided by his prior experience with the OTC. The early days of service were marked by chaos, with very few trained officers and non-commissioned officers to command the new volunteers, and the lack of organised billets and equipment made the start challenging.

Military Service and Leadership

Embarkation for France began on 24^th July 1915, and within a week, the entire 18^th (Eastern) Division, including the 7^th Bedfords, was positioned near Flesselles. The division served on the Western Front for the duration of the war and participated in many major battles. By the time the Armistice was declared at 11:00 AM on 11^th November 1918, the 18^th Division had suffered 46,503 casualties, with 13,727 killed outright.

Command and Actions in Battle

As commanding officer of ‘B’ Company, Harry Driver was known for his leadership from the front. He was wounded on at least five separate occasions and was mentioned in dispatches several times for his actions.

Trench Raid Near Carnoy

On the evening of April 26^th /27^th, 1916, prior to the Somme offensive, Harry led a raid on German trenches near Carnoy. An extract from his after-action report follows.

At 01.20am the raiding party left our trenches and formed up 50 yards outside our wire at a point already fixed upon by 2/Lieut H. Driver who was in command.

At 01.43am 2/Lieut H. Driver with one scout went forward, taking his direction by a star, and arrived exactly at point aimed at.

Here, a torch let into a pipe was flashed and at once the remainder of the party came up, two parties abreast. [Two NCO’s and thirty men plus 1 NCO and eight men acting as connecting files, covering party and laying trails].

The artillery had done its work well, for there was very little to be done except to cut a strand here and there, to open up a clear passage.

The 10ft ladders were then brought up, but would not reach the bottom of the trench so were placed on the fire step. While this was being done their presence was discovered by the  enemy and a lively exchange of bombs took place. Machine gun fire was also opened, and the enemy bombing party was forced back. The party then clambered into the trench in a pre-arranged system, one party turning to the left, one party to the right, 5 men blocked the communication trench and 5 men remained at point of entry.

The left party found themselves in a traverse [shown in aeroplane photo which has not survived]. There was no one in it. In the next traverse there was a shallow dug out which might have been used for stores. This was empty. They then came upon a large dugout with about 10 steps down into it. 2/Lieut Driver went down and saw it was lighted by a candle. It was full of Germans whom he invited to come out. As they hesitated and time was of the utmost value he threw several bombs and retired. When he came out he was told that there was another German standing over another dugout. This man was killed. 2/Lieut Driver was then wounded in the face and shortly afterwards in the foot, as was also Corporal DUNHAM who was evacuated.

By this time the party had been about 20 minutes in the trench and 2/Lieut Driver decided to withdraw. On passing the big dugout previously mentioned, to make quite sure it was bombed again. This party regained the point of entry and blew the syren whistle – the signal for the right party to return. Unfortunately, owing to the noise of the bombardment this whistle was not heard which considerably delayed matters. L/Cpl COWLING took the whistle and ran along the parapet towards the right, continually sounding the whistle. While waiting, a party of Germans tried to break through on the left, but they were forced back by a barrage of bombs.

Shortly after, the right party began to return and when 2/Lieut Driver was told they were all present he ordered the covering party to withdraw with the wounded. The return journey was slowly accomplished, with only two casualties – both slight wounds.

The right party under L/Sgt MILLS, encountered a large dugout on the left opposite to which was a sap. As they approached the dugout eight or ten bombs were thrown. This dugout was effectively bombed as the fire ceased. The sap also which contained six men was bombed and all its occupants killed. A party was left to block the communication trench from this place to the second line and another party preceded up the fire trench where they found four dugouts under the parapet. These were all heavily bombed, at least 20 being thrown into each. Two men were bayonetted at the door. In each dugout a torch light was turned on and the light revealed several dead bodies at the bottom.

While bombing the first dugout mentioned which was known to have two entrances, two men appeared suddenly on the parados throwing bombs. Both these were shot. The party then went as far as the next traverse but seeing nothing and as the time limit was then already passed it withdrew without being in any way molested.

The syren whistle was not heard owing to the bombardment. No damage was done to the German trenches in the section covered by the raid.

Trenches to the right were floored and revetted with grids; those to the left were not.

2/Lieut Driver states that the bottom and sides of trench were hard chalk.

L/Sgt Mills in charge of right party states that he distinctly saw the machine gun which opened on them as they reached the wire blown up by one of our shells. He located it about A.S.A.05.

All the raiding party who have been questioned are full of praise of the artillery. They state the barrage fire was wonderfully accurate and helped them immensely in carrying out the raid.

The wire was completely cut except a strand or two which was easily disposed of.

One bottle of lachrymatory fluid was used by left party, and L/Cpl Hope was detailed to run along top of trench and pour the substance in front of the party. The wind was from right to left and it was hoped in this way to put up an invisible barrage which might effectually stop the Germans before it was discovered.

The ruse succeeded, as six Germans, coming to the assistance of their comrades who were being bombed, ran into this barrage and were rendered perfectly helpless.

All six Germans were shot by L/Cpl DUNHAM from the top of the trench.

Smoke bombs were used to cover the retreat and were most effective. The effectiveness of this smoke barrage was noticed from our trenches.

Although no German prisoners were brought back there is no doubt that very many were killed and wounded. The Germans do not appear to have been surprised as they opened fire so quickly. The affair resolved itself at once into a fight, as the mens tempers were roused they seem to have gone in more for killing than the taking of prisoners.

They had to fight their way in and their way out. There can be no question that one of the objects of the raid - to increase the morale - has been amply achieved. It is regretted that one man is missing. When last seen he was in rear of the left party during their retirement to point of entry. It is quite possible he may have been killed.

After reading this report Brigadier General Herbert Shoubridge [o/c 54^th Infantry Brigade] stated that:-

“2/Lieut DRIVER showed great gallantry and coolness. He was grounded in three places but refused to leave the enemy's trenches until the whole of his party had been safely withdrawn. I propose to bring forward his name, and those of certain other men of the party, for prompt reward.”

Harry was wounded once again during a divisional attack on CHERISY on Thursday 3^rd May 1917, although he remained on duty. The action resulted in 6 officers being killed, 8 wounded with 24 other ranks killed, 48 missing and 162 wounded. He recovered, and by July 1917 held the rank of Captain, still i/c of ‘B’ Company.

The Battle for Glencourse Wood, August 1917

By August 1917, the Division found themselves entrenched within the Ypres salient. It was during the fierce assault on GLENCOURSE WOOD, on Friday 10^th August - a major engagement of the 3^rd Battle of Ypres - that Harry once more sustained injuries. The attack surged forward, breaching the German front line at a position the British referred to as ‘Jargon Trench’.

Harry’s battalion faced a daunting advance, having to cross ground littered with derelict and sunken tanks before reaching GLENCOURSE WOOD. Their objective was to capture ten pillboxes at the wood’s south-western edge and battle their way through the dense woodland to a sunken road running parallel to the edge of NONNE BOSSCHEN. The men assembled near the Menin Road on a frontage of 375 yards, advancing undetected through German night outposts that had been left unmanned.

The first wave encountered resistance in the form of uncut wire at the German front line, briefly halting their progress. Nevertheless, some troops pressed on through available gaps, while others provided covering fire into the trench. Inside GLENCOURSE WOOD, the landscape was one of devastation - shattered trees and numerous pillboxes, both on the highest ground and scattered elsewhere. They fought their way through these defences with grenades and bayonets, eventually reaching the British barrage, which had moved just beyond their objective.

The battalion soon found themselves isolated. To the north, the right-hand battalion of the 25^th Division had been unable to secure its target, and to the south, the 11^th Royal Fusiliers had suffered heavy losses and made no further gains. The other two battalions of the brigade, already exhausted after ten days holding the front line, were not in a position to provide support. At 7:40 am, a request was made for the 53^rd Brigade to move closer. However, this was declined in order to avoid overcrowding the area under bombardment and to keep the brigade available for taking over after nightfall.

The saturated ground made it impossible to dig a continuous trench, but the 7^th Bedford troops managed to hold their positions within the wood for approximately four hours.

The War Diary reads:

At 3.30am all companies were formed up for the attack timed for 4.35am. ‘C’ company on the right,  ‘B’ Company on the left, ‘A’ Company in close support and ‘D’ Company in reserve under Captains O. Kingdon, H. Driver DSO, R.O. Clark, J.C.M. Ferguson. The forming up was carried out in an exceedingly steady manner under considerable enemy artillery and machine gun fire and great credit is due to the company commanders for the cool and deliberate manner in which they handled their companies.

At zero hour, 4.35am, an intense British barrage opened and the battalion moved forward close under its protection.

The battalion, famous for its fighting spirit in the past, eclipsed all former deeds of gallantry, when heavy wire held up the foremost men, those behind stood on lumps of earth and rubbish and fired over the heads of those cutting the wire, seldom have any troops shown such brilliant dash and utter contempt for the Bosch.

By 5.13am NONNE BOSSCHEN WOOD was reached and at the same time all other objectives occupied. Within an hour small arms ammunition, Lewis gun drums etc. had been dispatched to the advanced positions and much consolidation had been carried out. Very early in the operations the 11^th Royal Fusiliers, operating on our right, and the Queen's [Royal West Surrey Regiment], operating on their right, became adversely involved with a Bosch strong point at the north-west corner of INVERNESS COPSE and the whole attack on our right became confused and fell back. The Fusiliers fell back from their advanced posts on to a line running along the ridge from the south-west corner of GLENCOURSE WOOD  to CLAPHAM JUNCTION.

This change in the situation exposed our right flank and necessitated the partial expenditure of ‘D’ Company to make a defensive flank which was carried out by Captain Ferguson in a quick and clever manner. Very severe fighting resulted later in the day through the unsatisfactory position in which our troops were placed. About 5.30pm the Bosch showed considerable movement and it became evident that a heavy counter attack was imminent: by 6pm the attack developed and by 7pm the situation was severe, the Bosch attacking in mass and our own guns shooting desperately short. This condition lasted till 9pm by which time although we had lost connection with our advanced posts the main position was still firmly in our hands and the enemy casualties were extremely heavy. About 8.30pm the 6^th Royal Berks were sent up to relieve our companies and one company of Norfolks took over the strong point at the south-west corner of GLENCORSE WOOD from which the Fusiliers had previously been relieved by us.

By 2am the Regiment had been completely relieved by the Royal Berks and moved back.

His actions during the course of the fighting resulted in the following citation:

Harry’s Recovery and Battalion Transfers

Following the intense fighting, Harry was withdrawn from the front lines and his injuries were treated, enabling him to achieve a full recovery. However, there is no surviving information regarding his activities until 1918.

On Saturday 25^th May 1918, the British Army initiated a re-organisation plan. As part of this restructuring, Harry’s battalion was reduced to a training cadre. Alongside 45 officers and 1,000 non-commissioned officers and soldiers, Harry was transferred to the 2^nd Battalion, Bedfordshire Regiment. Later, on Wednesday 31^st July 1918, the training cadre itself was dissolved, and the remaining officers and men were also moved to the 2^nd Battalion.

Brief Service with the 2^nd Battalion

By October 1918, the 2nd Battalion was stationed at PIERRGOT, northeast of Amiens. The unit spent this period resting and training. Towards the end of the month, they returned to the front line, where they suffered significant casualties during a ten-day stretch.

The Armistice

At 05:00 AM on Monday 11^th November 1918, the Armistice was signed in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, France. Hostilities officially ceased at 11:00 AM that day, as recorded in the war diary: “Hostilities suspended”
 

Medallic Recognition: Distinguished Service Order [DSO], Military Cross [MC], Mention in Despatches  [MiD], The 1915 Star, The British War Medal, The Victory Medal
 

Demobilisation and Transition to Civilian Life

Before the official cessation of hostilities, authorities carefully considered the logistics of returning hundreds of thousands of military personnel and their equipment home. There was no chaotic rush to demobilisation; instead, a methodical approach was adopted to ensure an orderly process.

The first priority in this process was given to the sick and wounded. Following their return, officers and men who were not part of the professional, full-time armed forces were demobilised in phases. This meant that some soldiers would not return home for a year or more. Meanwhile, an army of occupation, numbering several thousand, was required in Germany. Comprehensive inventories of ammunition and equipment had to be completed, and the hazardous task of clearing battlefields and trench networks commenced, with particular attention paid to the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance. Labour Battalions undertook the solemn responsibility of recovering human remains for burial or re-burial.

The Challenges of Post-War Service and Demobilisation

Although the threat from the enemy had subsided, soldiers faced new challenges in the form of low morale, boredom, and a lack of clear purpose. Officers such as Harry worked to maintain discipline and engagement among the men, organising training sessions—often viewed as unnecessary by many—boosting morale, arranging sporting activities, and overseeing salvage operations in the field. As these routines continued, the numbers within the unit gradually diminished as soldiers received their demobilisation orders. Harry was scheduled to return to civilian life on Easter Saturday 19^th April 1919.

The transition was far from the ideal promised by Lloyd George’s “land fit for heroes.” Returning soldiers faced widespread unemployment and encountered little sympathy or understanding regarding the horrors they had endured. It remains unknown whether Harry’s prior offer of employment at the Colonial Office was still available, or what motivated his decision to volunteer for the North Russian Relief Force (NRRF). It is plausible that Harry sought to recapture the camaraderie and sense of purpose he experienced during the war. Participation in the NRRF also came with enhanced pay and allowances, including a promise of two months’ leave at the end of the expedition. The force was to be comprised only of “officers of the highest stamp,” and would be commanded by Brigadier-General Lionel de Vere Sadleir-Jackson³ CB, CMG, DSO*, L.d'H, C de G, FRGS, Harry’s former Brigade Commander on the Western Front.

North Russian Relief Force

Finally the announcement of the formation of a Russian Relief Force was made public. Volunteers poured into the War Office and Scotland Yard, proffering their services in any capacity and were told to assemble at Park Royal in west London. However, it was not long before they became impatient. They chafed at the delay of equipping the force, the hesitancy, the vagueness of the expedition, the lack of knowledge of the actual situation, the ignorance of prevailing conditions.

The civilian brigade became a brigade khakied and be-ribboned. The wave of restlessness grew stronger. Men grew tired of waiting, and in some instances when allowed on leave failed to return. The roll of absentees grew. The last week of April brought news of a move to Sandling camp in Kent. More equipment and stores arrived; training, and all the necessary and essential precautions and preparations for service. Vaccinations for typhoid and cholera, the rigours of gas chambers, the reawakening of the spirit of discipline dormant in these men.

A few days later, on the Tuesday 27^th May, the force began to leave Kent and headed to the docks at Leith, Newcastle and Tilbury where miraculously most of the “absentees” re-appeared. After seven days at sea, they arrived at the port of Murmansk where they spent the night aboard ship in the company of other vessels from the Royal Navy recently arrived, before setting sail once again through a fast melting ice flow to Archangel.

Although the force was made up of volunteers, all of whom had experienced life in the trenches and the mud of the Somme and Flanders, very few were prepared for the conditions and privations of the Russian north.

Operations and Engagements: July – August 1919

Training and Relocation

At the beginning of July, the battalion was stationed at OSSINOVA, where they focused on training and participated in games and sports practice. On 6^th July orders arrived for the battalion to relocate to TROITSA via paddle steamer, positioning them near the front lines. As August began, the battalion faced several small forest fires in the area. Both sides engaged in exchanges of fire, with the NRRF employing 60-pounder artillery to target the cemetery on the left bank of the Divina River, while the enemy utilised a long-range gun. Weather conditions shifted considerably, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and a drop in temperature. Eventually, the weather cleared, becoming sunny and dry, which allowed the ground to recover and improved operational activities.

Ration Difficulties and Mutiny

Difficulties arose with the timely delivery of rations, and on 9^th August it was reported “that one company from the 2/4 NRR had laid down their arms, with another company also showing signs of mutiny.” Both companies were subsequently escorted back to base. Communication received via wireless telegraphy and telephone later confirmed that “the Russian Colonel of the 2/4 NRR was able to manage the situation within his battalion.”

Attack on Enemy Positions

On Sunday 10^th August at 2:00 AM, a full-scale attack was launched, beginning with a chemical bombardment of enemy defenses. Despite poor visibility, five Russian-piloted aircraft were able to fly over GORODOK and LIPOVETS, dropping incendiary bombs. At 11:00 AM, five groups of machine guns, twenty-four artillery pieces, and a Russian Stokes battery opened fire on pre-arranged targets. The Royal Navy participated, with a gunboat engaging in an artillery duel against enemy gunboats. A small cavalry force was also present but unable to attack their intended target. By lunchtime, fifteen enemy prisoners had been taken.

Challenges and Losses

By 1:30 PM, part of the attacking force was halted outside SELTSÓ and forced to withdraw due to the risk of encirclement. As a result, two companies from the 3rd NBR, which had been held in reserve, were ordered forward, and additional artillery support was requested, including the guns of HMS Humber. A wireless telegraph message sent at 1:38 PM reported that the first objective at BOROK had been captured after significant resistance. The enemy was numerous and put up a determined fight. During this engagement, part of the Battle of Dvina, Harry Driver was shot and killed at the age of 32 on Sunday 10^th August 1919,

along with another officer, Lieutenant William Ulric Chevallier Taylor. Both were initially buried where they fell but later reinterred within Troitza Churchyard; Harry Driver is commemorated at the CWGC Archangel Allied Cemetery.

Throughout most of the years of Soviet rule access to the site was nigh on impossible and so in 1984 the Brookwood Russia Memorial was completed.

However, in 2015 this was taken down in keeping with CWGC policy which stated : "As Graves and Memorials located in Russia and the Baltic States are now accessible the memorial has now been removed".

1. Rupert Arthur Driver served as an officer with the Suffolk Regiment, was wounded at Hulloch in November 1915 and then transferred to the 2^nd Battalion, 19 Punjabis, British Indian Army. He died in London in 1965.
2. Bertram Walter Driver served as a Private soldier in the 15^th Battalion, London Regiment (Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifles). He was killed on 7^th October 1916 at the age of 24 and lies in Warlencourt British Cemetery, 5 km south-west of Bapaume.

3. Lionel de Vere Sadleir-Jackson served in the Second Boer War and the First World War with distinction before taking command of the North Russia Relief Force which supervised the withdrawal of allied troops from the North Russia Campaign in the Russian Civil War. A highly decorated officer, he was wounded several times during his military service retiring in 1925 but died in a vehicle accident during a tour of First World War battlefields in 1932.

A copy of Harry's story is available for download here.