Colin Boyd has provided the following:
Henry was born on July 20th 1894 and was working as an apprentice plater living with his father, Matthew Sopwith at 1351, Walker Road, St. Anthonys, Newcastle upon Tyne when he enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers on September 3rd 1914.
He transferred to the RNVR on September 10th 1914 and joined the Anson Battalion on October 22nd 1914. Henry was hospitalised on May 13th 1915 suffering from bayonet wounds to the back and right leg.
After rejoining the Anson Battalion on November 3rd 1915 he was wounded again on September 17th 1916 by a grenade wound to the left hand. This was thought to be self inflicted and Henry was tried by a Field General Court Martial on September 28th 1916. Found guilty, he was sentenced to 56 days Field Punishment No.1.
Henry rejoined the Anson Battalion on November 3rd 1916 and was reported as wounded and missing assumed died of wounds on November 13th 1916.
His name does not appear on any local war memorials.
