LEONARD W

LEONARD, William

Regiment: 10th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers

Rank: Lance Corporal

Number: 25923

Died: 1 September 1918

Aged: 30

Buried/ Memorial: Bancourt British Cemetery, France

Address: 67 Westminster Road, Hoole

Chester Chronicle 28 September 1918

HOOLE LEWIS GUNNER KILLED

“Lance- Cpl. William Leonard, Lanc. Fusiliers, fourth son of Mrs. Leonard, 7 Westminster Road, Hoole, has fallen in action. The captain of his company writes that he was killed on Sept. 1st by a machine gun bullet, and adds: “Your son was an able Lewis gunner, and his death is a loss to his platoon.” The deceased, aged 30, was in the employ of Mr. Jones, Baker, Charles Street, and attended the Baptist Mission Church and Sunday School, Westminster Road. Deep sympathy is felt for the mother, who two years last January lost her youngest son – Signaller George Leonard, Cheshire Regt., who was killed in action.”

The 1911 Census shows William as a 22-year-old baker’s van driver living at 67 Westminster Road with his mother Elizabeth and brothers Arthur and George (also killed in the war – see LEONARD G).

In 1901 his father George is still living and two older brothers Thomas and Frederick are also still at home.