1/5th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 11 February 1919.

Bannister was native of Nelson, Lancashire.

From the Burnley News of 19 October 1918:- Captured Gun Crew - Military Medal for Nelson Mill Employee. Private Hartley Bannister (21), East Lancashire Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bannister of 85, Water Street, Nelson, has been awarded the Military Medal for "Bravery and devotion to duty on August 24th last, near Miraumont. When his company was held up by enemy machine guns, Bannister was one of the Lewis Gun Section that effectively engaged an enemy machine gun, finally rushing it and capturing the crew." Private Bannister, who joined the Army in 1916, was formerly a twister at Valley Mills, Nelson. His father has served in the Army since the outbreak of war. He is a cousin of Private Tom Bannister, who, although only 19 years of age, has had five birthdays since joining the Army in 1915. He is serving with the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.