Leonard Eric Bignall
1939 - assisting his father, a shopkeeper (fruit and vegetables).
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
Leonard Eric was the only son of Leonard Cecil and Lily Bignall (née Miller).
His father was born in Nottingham in 1889, the son of Samuel and Charlotte Bignall (née Woolley). Leonard was one of six surviving siblings, three boys and three girls. Samuel died in 1897 and his widow Charlotte in July 1920.
Leonard Cecil married Lily Miller (b. 1887) in 1919 (reg. JFM) and they had two children, Joan Eileen b. February 1920 and Leonard Eric b. 4 September 1921.
Leonard, Lily and their one-year old daughter were living at 27 Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, in 1921; he was a shopkeeper (fruit and vegetables). Also in the household were Lily's unmarried sisters, Gertrude, who was assisting in household duties, and Florence Ann, a milliner.
The family was still at 27 Radcliffe Road in 1939 when the England and Wales Register was compiled. Leonard snr. was a shopkeeper (fruit and vegetables), and his wife and their two children were assisting in the business. Leonard snr. was also a special constable and his son an ambulance driver volunteer.
Lily Bignall died on 11 June 1953 and her husband four months later on 18 October. They were survived by their daughter, Joan. Joan, who did not marry, died in 1999.
Leonard Eric, a pilot, served with 164 Squadron (Second Tactical Air Force) and was killed on 2 March 1944 when his aircraft, a Typhoon IB EK175, 'broke up and crashed at Twinwood Farm, 2 miles north-east of Oakley, Bedfordshire'. The accident was attributed to a structural failure.
He was buried in Nottingham Southern Cemetery on 9 March 1944 (grave ref. Sec. R.25. Grave 97).
Leonard Eric's father, Leonard Cecil, served in the First World War in the Royal Garrison Artillery (74524 L/Bdr), attesting in April 1915 and mobilised on 6 April 1916. He served with the BEF France from 27 July to 20 December 1916 but returned to the UK for medical treatment and was admitted to Welsh Metropolitan War Hospital, Whitchurch, on 21 December. It is possible that he was then on Home service until his discharge from the Army in February 1919.
Two of his father's brothers also served in the war. Harold also served in the Royal Garrison Artillery (94597) from 9 December 1915 to 26 July 1919. Vernon Digby served in the 2nd Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (8563 Private), and was killed in action on 16 September 1914. (See record on this Roll of Honour)
Nottingham Southern Cemetery grave/headstone, inscription: 'In loving remembrance of Flight Sergt. Leonard Eric Bignall, RAF (VR), killed 2 March 1944, aged 22. Per Ardua Ad Astra. Dear and only son of Leonard Cecil and Lily Bignall. Also his beloved mother Lily Bignall who passed away June 11th 1953, aged 66 years. Also of the above Leonard Cecil Bignall, who passed away suddenly Oct. 18th 1953 aged 64.'
CWGC Additional information: Son of Leonard Cecil and Lily Bignall, of West Bridgford, Nottingham.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 6 March 1944:’Bignall. F/Sgt. L Eric Bignall, 27 Radcliffe-road, West Bridgford. Funeral details later.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 7 March 1944:’Bignall. F/Sgt. L Eric Bignall, Funeral details, Service West Bridgford Parish Church, 2.30; interment Wilford Hill, 3, Thursday, March 9th.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Probate; Bignall Leonard Eric of 27 Radcliffe-road West Bridgford Nottinghamshire died 2 March 1944 on war service. Administration Nottingham 29 June to Leonard Cecil Bignall fruiterer. Effects £296 2s. 10d.
Probate: Bignall Lily of 27 Radcliffe-road West Bridgford Nottingham (wife of Leonard Cecil Bignall) died 11 June 1953 Probate Nottingham 23 July to the said Leoanrd Cecil Bignall fruiterer.
Nottingham Evening Post, 19 October 1953:’Nottm. Fruit Trader’s Death. The death is announced to-day of Mr Leonard Cecil Bignall, of 28, Radcliffe-road, West Bridgford, a well-known figure in the retail fruit trade in Nottingham. Mr Bignall founded the firm of LC Bignall Ltd, in 1919, after earlier experience in the trade. He was 64 and leaves a daughter.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Local Jottings’, 19 October 1953: ‘Leonard Cecil Bignall collapsed and died at his home, 27 Radcliffe-road, West Bridgford, yesterday. He was 64 years of age.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Probate; Bignall Leonard Cecil of 27 Radcliffe-road West Bridgford Nottinghamshire died 18 October 1953 Administration (with Will) Nottingham 11 December to Joan Ellen Bignall spinster.
Additional research, RF (Jan 2026).
Leonard Eric Bignall's grave at Nottingham Southern Cemetery (Wilford Hill)
Photo: David Nunn
Leonard Eric Bignall's headstone at Nottingham Southern Cemetery (Wilford Hill)
Photo: David Nunn
Leonard Eric Bignall's grave at Nottingham Southern Cemetery (Wilford Hill)
Photo: David Nunn