Leonard Clay
In 1901 he was an apprentice coach maker. In 1911 he was serving as an infantry sergeant in India at Dagshai.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Leonard Clay was born in 1887 at Gibraltar he was the son of the late Phillip Clay a former soldier and gardener and the the late Ann Clay née Blake.
His father Phillip was born in 1842 at Carlton, he died in 1908 aged 66 yrs, his mother Ann Blake was born in 1849 at Winchester, she died in 1901 aged 52 yrs , they were married in 1867 at Winchester they had children, Alice, Jessica, Ethel and Minnie Clay.
In 1901 they lived on Kent Road (number not specified) Carlton Nottingham.
In the 1911 census Leonard is serving with the King's Royal Rifle Corps, he is shown as being 24 yrs, born Gibraltar and is Lance Sergeant, the battalion are serving in India.
Sergeant Leonard Clay enlisted on 10th August 1903 weighing 105 lbs and standing slightly under 5'3" tall. He served with the King's Royal Rifle Corps, he died of wounds on 2nd April 1918 having no known grave his name is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial
Only a fragment of his ASR survives.
His brother Frank Henry Clay joined the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, his fathers old regiment, on 15 August 1884 at Winchester aged just 14. He did well as by 6 Jun 1889 he was appointed Lance Corporal, then Corporal on 6 May 1892. He continued to rise through the ranks being appointed Lance Sergeant 1 Oct 1896, then Sergeant 15 Dec 1896 and finally Colour Sergeant 16 May 1903. He finally left the regiment 14 August 1908 after 24 years of service. During his time with the regiment Frank served both at home and overseas. he was in Cyprus 1885-86, Gibraltar 1886-1891, South Africa 1899-1903 and Bermuda 1904-05. Whilst in South Africa he took part in the Boer War and received both the Queens South Africa medal with several clasps including the Relief of Ladysmith, and the Kings South Africa medal with clasps. In 1901 he was mentioned in despatches and received the DCM, the London Gazette of 8 Feb 1901 stating "for Conspicuous coolness and valour on the 20th and 24th January and 22nd February. Frank re enlisted when war broke out and was sent to France 19 May 1915. Killed in action he was buried in Ypres Town Cemetery extension, Belgium. He was eligible for the 1915 Star, British and Victory medals
Photo of Leonard Clay
Pozieres Memorial, France, courtesy of the cwgc