Henry John Walter Silver was born at Tilbury on 25 August 1889. He was the son of Docker Henry Silver and his wife Ellen.

Henry  left home for work as shop assistant living at Hackney and Islington.

He Joined the Essex Regiment in 1911 as Private 9741 Silver and served with the 2nd Essex Regiment.

He entered the Great War with the 2nd Essex on 24 August 1914

By the time of the Great War he was a Lance Corporal and during the later course of the war applied to be an Officer. His application was successful and he was transferred to the 1st Essex Regiment as a Second Lieutenant.

He was awarded the Military Cross - London Gazette 5 April 1918

Citation

 For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Though injured in the leg, and in great pain, he carried on day and night over the most difficult country with his task of getting up supplies. He thrice guided parties carrying water across a stream after their leaders had become casualties.

He was awarded the Bar to the Military Cross - London Gazette 23 November 1918

2nd Lt. Henry John Walter Silver, M.C., 1st Bn., Essex R. When the attack was held up this officer entirely reorganised the flank in spite of heavy machine-gun fire, and made the final advance on the objective possible. His courage under fire was conspicuous, and his untiring energy greatly contributed to the success of the operation.

Henry survived the war and  continued in the Essex regiment after the war although he was not further promoted retiring as a Lieutenant in January 1930.

He moved to Wembley and died there in 1975.