Henry George Grundy left his business as a straw hat manufacturer in Buxton Road, Luton, at the outbreak of war and enlisted as a private in the Royal Garrison Artillery. A year later he had risen through the ranks to become a Second Lieutenant, and less than another year later he was mentioned in dispatches for conspicuous services in the field.

His was a military career that deserved admiration, said the Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph when giving news of his latest achievement in its June 2nd, 1917, edition.

Second Lieut Grundy [pictured right] was the elder son of Henry James and Mary Grundy, of 94 Dunstable Road, Luton. He was born in Willesden, London, on March 29th, 1891. At the outbreak of hostilities he was a partner in the straw hat firm of Stygall & Grundy, Buxton Road.

During his training as a private in the Royal Garrison Artillery he was promoted to lance-corporal, and then went out to France in April 1915. He took part in the Battle of Loos later that year, and it was following that engagement that his Major recommended him for a commission.

With that aim he returned to England and studied for and obtained his commission in June 1916. He was then transferred to another battery of the same regiment and returned to France in July 1916.

Early in 1917 he came home on 10 days' leave to be married at the Union Chapel, Castle Street, to Miss May Brown, daughter of Thomas and Jane Brown, of 29 Arthur Street, Luton.

Prior to enlistment, Henry George Grundy was a member of the Union Chapel choir. He had been educated at St John's College. Southend-on-Sea.

He survived the war and later emigrated to the United States, living in Chicago.

[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: June 2nd, 1917]