He was 34 years old and a private in the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

It was largely owing to his cool bravery in supplying the bombs that the enemy was eventually driven back.

[2] Harvey received the French Legion of Honour (5th Class) and the Cross of St. George (Russia).

He received little recognition in Britain after the war and towards the end of his life resided in the Salvation Army Citadel on Woodbridge Road in Ipswich.

He also slept rough outside the Town Hall or in Wolves Wood, near Hadleigh, Suffolk.