Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

While the nominal roll entry compiled by Murray names him as Harry Ellis Daly, he is correctly recorded in the Boer War Service Paybooks for the 6th QIB as Harry Ellis Daley.

When Harry Ellis Daly (Daley) enlisted in 1901 in the 6th QIB and his details were published with the rank and file in The Queenslander, 13 Apr 1901, he noted his N.O.K. as Mrs. W. Johnson, Mossman's Paddock, Charters Towers. In the Boer War Service Paybooks for the 6th QIB, Bk 2 p. 43, it is noted he directed part of his pay to his cousin Mrs. M. Johnson, Mossman's Paddock, Charters Towers. Mrs. M Johnson was actually his mother-in-law. His first wife Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Maria Johnson.

He married Elizabeth Johnson on 10 Apr 1897 in Charters Towers and they resided at Queenton. She would tragically die on 22 May 1898 during the birth of their son, who survived, at their residence. It doesn't appear he had other kin in Queensland and he nominated his mother-in-law as N.O.K. when he enlisted in 1901, it is assumed his in-laws cared for his son while he was away serving.

After returning from the war he would marry again on 22 Jul 1910 to Annie Welch in Queensland and they had 3 children. They were residing at Depot Hill, Rockhampton, in 1914 when he passed examinations to receive his certificate as an Engine Driver with the railways. His BDM Qld death registration in 1926 notes he was the son of Percival Daley and Elizabeth Daley (nee Brigland).

(source- AWM Boer War Nominal Roll, Murray p. 514; Qld State Archives- Boer War Service Paybooks 6th QIB, Bk 2 p. 43; BDM Qld online registers; various newspaper articles- see links).