Leslie Robert Halford
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Leslie Robert Halford was born in 1893 at Nottingham and was the son of Harry Baker Halford, an estate agent, and Ethel Halford (née Grundy). His father Harry Baker Halford was born in 1867 at Nottingham and his mother Ethel Grundy was born in 1865 also in Nottingham. They were married in 1891 and had three children; Leslie Robert b1893, Frank Bernard 1894 and Kathleen Carrie b1896. At the time of the 1911 census the family was living at The White House, Boundary Road, Edwalton: Harry Baker 44 yrs, Ethel 46 yrs and Frank Bernard 17 yrs, a scholar. Leslie Robert 18 yrs was a pupil at Felstead School, Essex, and boarding at the school's Elwyn House. Leslie Robert survived the war as did his brother, Frank Bernard, who served in the Royal Flying Corps, later transferring to the Royal Air Force.
Leslie Robert Halford enlisted on the outbreak of war and served initially with the Seaforth Highlanders. However, within a month he was commissioned in the Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derby Regiment), serving with the 11th Battalion. He was wounded in action on 1st July 1916. He was Mentioned in Despatches 4th January 1917 and awarded the Military Cross, gazetted January 1918. Major Halford survived the war.
A two light stained glass window depicting St George and St Martin was installed in Edwalton Holy Rood Church by Leslie and Frank Halford's parents. The dedication reads, 'Giving thanks to God for Victory and in remembrance of the Grace and Mercy shown to them during the Great War, this window was dedicated by the parents of Major Leslie R Halford MC and Major Frank B Halford. Anno Salutis 1919.' Both sons survived the war. Report published 6th November 1915, Nottingham Evening Post :- 'Two local brothers had been promoted to captain. Lieut. L. R. Halford, of the 11th Battalion Sherwood Foresters and his brother, Lieut. F. B. Halford, of the Royal Flying Corps, have been promoted to captaincies. They are the sons if Mr. H. B. Halford, of Nottingham.” Above courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918 Nottingham Evening Post, 3 January 1918: ‘Conspicuous Gallantry. Military Crosses for Nottm. Officers. A further instalment of the Honours Gazette contains a list of over 7,000 officers who have gained the Military Cross in recognition of various acts of gallantry. The recipients included a number of officers in the Sherwood Foresters, two of whom – Major LR Halford and Capt. WJ Asher – belong to Nottingham. Major Halford is the elder son of Mr and Mrs HB Halford, of Edwalton, and has had a distinguished career. He was educated at Broadgate School, Nottingham and at Felstead, where he was head prefect, and gained his colours at cricket, football, hockey, fives and running. He volunteered immediately on the outbreak of war, enlisting in the Seaforth Highlands, and receiving a commission in the Sherwood Foresters a month later. He has been wounded three times, and was mentioned in despatches in may last shortly after he had been given his majority. His brother, Capt. FB Halford, is in the Royal Flying Corps.’ (ww.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Frank Bernard Halford CBE [1948] FRAeS, aircraft engine designer. See website: collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk
