Harry Steele Graves was born on 19th December 1893, the son of Frank Scott Graves (organist and music teacher) and Agnes Georgina Steele. He had one brother: Frank (b. 1888); and two sisters: Alice Emma (b. 1888); and Phyllis Lee (b. 1895).

Harry Graves enlisted with the 14th London Regiment (Reg. No. 1916) and entered a Theatre of war, in France, on 16th September 1914. He was commissioned and transferred to the 6th Battalion, Black Watch, on 14th July 1917.

Perthshire Courier, November 10th 1914

“PERTH LONDON-SCOT AT THE FRONT"

“Private Harry Graves Wounded at Messines - A Remarkable Account"

“The Fair City was represented in the famous charge of the London Scottish at Messines. There were quite several men in the fight closely connected with Perth - principally Pte. Harry Graves, only son of that respected citizen, Mr Frank S, Graves, professor of music, Marshall Place. A member of the London Scottish for a considerable time prior to the war, Private Graves was on the staff of the London Branch of the National Bank of New Zealand, and his very practical demonstration of patriotism created much satisfaction among his colleagues."

"He was one of the first to volunteer and proceeded with his unit to France ... After a great deal of travelling throughout the country Private Graves found himself in the fighting line, and his experiences at Messines were thrilling. He was in the thick of the charge and about mid-day fell wounded, sustaining a broken arm and a sprained wrist. He had been struck with shrapnel and lay on the open field for five hours, and cannot understand why, due to his position, he was not killed."

"After dark he and another wounded comrade made their way to a haystack, and later came upon an improvised hospital at which they had their wounds roughly attended to. Early next morning they set out for nearest British camp, then after 3 hours in a cattle-truck arrived at Boulogne and were shipped to England. The first information received by Mr and Mrs Graves was that their son arrived at Dalmeny House Hospital on Thursday evening last, where it is hoped he may make a full recovery from his injuries...”

Extract from Wauchope's 'History of the Black Watch in the Great War'

“BATTLE OF CAMBRAI, NOVEMBER 19th 1917"

“At 6 a.m. on the 19th, Battalion Headquarters with C company and Nos. 5 and 6 platoons of B left Metz for the front line north-east of Trescault and relieved a portion of the 8/9th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles of the 36th (Ulster) Division. Nos 9, 10 and 5 platoons occupying the front line with 11, 12 and 6 platoons in support. These were the six platoons detailed to capture the Hindenburg front and support lines and they moved forward twenty-four hours prior to the actual attack in order to give all ranks an opportunity to learn the lie of the land and the various landmarks."

“The day passed quietly, the 8th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders coming in on our right and left respectively."

“As soon as it was dark Lieutenant Graves laid out a taped line in front of our trenches in order that every man should start at right angles to the direction of advance: flags were also put in from the support lines to this tape to show platoon flanks."

“Punctually to the second our artillery opened fire, placing a perfect barrage on the German front line, and the tanks moved forward in advance of the infantry to the German outpost position. This was quickly dealt with, the few men holding one or two sap-heads offering no resistance. The enemy artillery quickly opened fire, but it was so slight that no definite barrage line could be discerned."

“Nos 5, 9 and 10 platoons, shortly after Zero, moved forward in two lines at the requisite distance behind the tanks and captured the red line at 7.15 a.m., touch with formations on the flanks being maintained during the advance and after occupation of the red line. No resistance was offered by the enemy, who, apparently, was terrified by the appearance of such a large number of tanks, and about 30 prisoners were taken with little loss to the platoon concerned.”

Although there is no definitive account of how Harry Graves lost his life, he would have been wounded at some stage of this action. He died of his wounds in one of the Military Hospitals at Rouen. He was 23 years old.

Harry Graves is also commemorated on the Kinnoull Parish Church War Memorial, Perth.