Edward Harley

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Regiment: York and Lancaster Regiment

Other Info: “has received the Military Cross for his services in the Battle of Messines. Prior to his enlistment, Mr Harley was an assistant engineer to the Borough Electrical Engineer, Hastings, but joined the Public Schools Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment early in the War, obtaining a commission as a Second Lieutenant in July 1915 and went to France in June 1916. The award was made for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Mr Harley’s captain was killed in the assembly trench, and Second Lieutenant Harley immediately took command of the Company, and led them to their final objective. He set a very fine example to all ranks by the cool manner he went about his work. During the heavy bombardments on out front line Second Lieutenant Harley kept his men well under control by encouraging them, and by his personal contempt for danger. He handled his Lewis Gun teams with great skill when the enemy counter attacked. Mr Harley has held the rank of Acting Captain since the memorable Battle of Messines”.

Published: August 1917

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