Sergeant Henry Elliott was born near Waterford and enlisted into the York and Lancaster Regiment in February 1893, aged 20 years. Advanced to Lance-Corporal in October of the same year and to Corporal in November 1895, he was selected for duty with the Special Service Corps in West Africa in November 1897, subsequently being attached to the West African Frontier Force during the Lapai Expedition under Lieutenant-Colonel Pilcher in June of the following year (P.R.O. WO100/83 confirms). On returning to regular duties with the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, Elliott gained further advancement to Sergeant in October 1899, shortly prior to sailing for South Africa, but in June of the following year he returned home to be discharged as medically unfit, having been wounded by a gunshot in the left leg (P.R.O. WO97/4775 refers).