BornHull 04/12/1896. Son of Harriet Metcalf (1875-1962) and William Tichbourne Lee (1874-1940), of 9, Churchill Street, Hedon Road. Hull (Army Address). Son of a Coal trimmer. He had one younger brother, John Lee and three sisters, Alice, Florrie and Doris. He worked as a Clerk and Telephone Operator. Described as 5 foot, 6.5 inches tall, 36-38 inch chest, good physical development.
He enlisted at Hull, on 16/11/1914, aged 16 years and 6 months. Posted to France, on 03/09/1916. Served as Gunner, 165918, 164th Royal Garrison Artillery. Wounded three times, gassed twice, burnt by a shell (Hull Daily Mail, 7th November 1918). Discharged from service, (50% Disability, with gas poisoning), on 13/02/1919, having served for 4 years and 90 days.
His War Pension address was 39, Hotham Street, Hedon Road, Hull. His father tried to enlist on 02/03/1915, but was rejected.