Farmhand, Henry Welch, known as ‘Tat’ embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade on 5 February 1916, part of the same intake as his younger brother George. During the Battle of the Somme Tat was awarded the Military Medal "For gallantry and special good work during the raid by the 4th Battalion, 3rd New Zealand (Rifle) Brigade on the enemy trench at Corner Fort, south of Fleurbaix on the night of the 17th/18th December 1916. Though heavily bombed when he first entered the enemy trenches he led his party with great skill, silencing the party exposed to him, killing a number of them, and finally capturing 5 prisoners."

The following year he took part in the Battle of Messines, and lost his life on 10 June 1917. He is buried at St Quentin Cabaret Military Cemetery.