Harry Jeffrey Priestley was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England on 23 February 1897 and Baptised on 18 March 1898 at St. John the Baptist Church, Leeds.

The 1901 Census shows that the family lived at 18 Granville Street, Leeds, Yorkshire.  The head of the family was Ellis Priestley aged 31, who was employed as a General Labourer.  His wife Sarah Ann Priestley (nee Jeffrey) and their three children – Mary Priestley aged 6, Harry Jeffrey Priestley aged 4 and Ellis Priestley aged 2 years.

In 1911 aged 14, Harry was living with his Grandmother at 12 Alma Place, Beckett Street, Leeds and was employed as an Apprentice Tool Maker.  His parents were living in Rhyl, Flintshire, North Wales.

Following the outbreak of the First World War, Harry enlisted at a Recruitment Centre in Leeds with the Prince of Wales Own West Yorkshire Regiment.

On 2 April 1917, a payment of £2. 19s. 10p. was made by the War Office to Ellis Priestley, being monies owed to his son Harry.  On 2 October 1919, a further payment which is recorded as a War Gratuity of £3. 0s. 0d. was also made to him.

He is also remembered on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales and on a Remembrance Plaque at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire.

There is no Flintshire Roll of Honour Card for Harry Jeffrey Priestley at the County Archives Office, Hawarden.