Born Quarrington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, 1894. Son of Henry Harby (1860-1927) and Louisa Rush (1857-1922), of 33 King Street, Grimethorpe, Barnsley. He had four brothers and four sisters.
An Apprentice Barber (1911 Census) and Coal Miner in Barnsley. Described as 5 foot, 4 inches tall, 120 lbs weight, 34-37 inch chest, hazel eyes, brown hair, Church of England religion. Married Ellen Sour (1896-1990), at St Lukes Church, Grimethorpe, on 11th May 1915. They had one daughter, Edna Harby (1915-2007) and lived at 15 Brierley Road, Grimethorpe
He enlisted in Barnsley, Yorkshire, on 02/10/1914. Served as Private, 13/411, York and Lancaster Regiment (Barnsley Pals), in Egypt and France. Posted to France, on 11/03/1916. Killed in action, on 20/05/1917, aged 22. His army effects were left to his widow, Ellen. Buried in France. His grave inscription reads, “THEIR GLORY SHALL NOT BE BLOTTED OUT”
His name is inscribed on the Skidby WW1 Memorial, East Yorkshire. His connection to Skidby is unknown.
His brother, Sergeant, Joseph Harby, 5995, 12th Royal Fusiliers, London Regiment, was killed on 29/10/1916, aged 25 and is buried at Mazingarbe cemetery, France.
