219819 Pte Leonard Lansdale British Army 11th Btn Lancashire Fusiliers from:Stockport (d.17th May 1916) Leonard was my great uncle who was one of the first soldiers to sign up to this battalion. During the war he served as a drummer in the battalion band and subsequently was a stretcher bearer.
During an attack on Vimy Ridge, namely Crosbie Craters, all the officers were killed leaving the NCO's to take charge of the attack. The attack was successful and the units took the German strong points. The position was held for five days until the Germans, aided by information given by a deserter, reorganised a counter attack to re take the ground lost.
The NCO Sergt Major J Moran was injured (mortally) during the counter attack and my uncle Leonard Lansdale went to give him aid and retrieve the Sergt Major to the safety of British lines. Leonard was shot by a sniper and killed instantly whilst trying to rescue his NCO. They are both buried, side by side, at Ecovires Military Cemetery Mont St Eloi.
Here is an extract written by Pte W Hunt to his mother Mary Lansdale:
"He was one of the drummers we had in the Band and I still always think of him when we are playing in the rest camp after coming out of the trenches. A better chum no-one could wish for and he was liked by all in the Company. I hope you will accept my regret and sympathy for the loss of a dear and brave boy."
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