Sidney William Leckenby
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Sidney William Leckenby was born in Boltby, Yorks in 1887, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Leckenby, nee Bently. By the turn of the 20th century, the Leckenby family were living in Letwell near Firbeck where father Robert had a farm employing several farm workers. At age 22, Sidney has moved away and is living at 23 York Street, Leek, Staffordshire working as an assistant grocer and it is here where he meets and marries Maria Gardner in 1915. A year later he was living in Worksop, the place where he enlisted. After his death in the war, his will, had all his effects left to his wife. His address at the time was 80 Central Ave, Worksop, Notts Private in HM army died 31 May 1918 in France
Pte. Sydney W. Leckenby Worksop Guardian 14 June 1918 It is with much regret that Worksop people heard on Friday that Pte. Sydney William Leckenby, M.T.C., husband of Mrs. M. Leckenby, Central Avenue, and eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Leckenby, South Farm, Letwell, had been killed in action. The news was conveyed in a letter to Mrs. M. Leckenby from Lieut. James Hogarth, who writing on May 31st, says:- “It is with the greatest regret that I have to inform you that your husband has been killed in action at “2. 0 Clock this morning. He was in his dug out with several of the R.G.A., men and a 5.9 shell struck the corner of the wall and roof, blowing in the end wall. All the occupants were killed. As you no doubt know, he had recently been promoted to be light car driver, and was carrying out his duties with his usual cheerfulness and good humour, and a great favourite with his comrades. The Battery Major, with whom most of his work lay, was also very pleased with him. He was always so ready and cheerful when wanted, even when very hard worked, and I can assure you he always carried out his duties in a most exemplary manner. All his comrades in the column unite with me in sending you their regrets at losing so good a comrade, and their greatest sympathy with you in your loss that can never be made good. The only comfort I can offer you is that he died doing his duty, and like so many others, it was required of him to make the greatest sacrifice for his country and the cause of humanity. Pte. Leckenby, to whom his officers pays so fine a tribute, was 29 years of age. He joined the forces in December, 1916, and after a brief training he was drafted to France. Previously to enlisting he carried on the Midland Dairy, and during his business career in Worksop his kindly disposition and affable manner made him many friends. He was last home on leave three months ago. Great sympathy is expressed with the widow, parents and other relatives. Reference to Pte. Leckenby’s death was made at the meeting of the Kiveton Park Council and a vote of sympathy passed with the bereaved.
CWG additional information:- Son of Mr. and Mrs. Leckenby, of South Farm, Letwell, Yorks; husband of Maria Leckenby, of 167, Carlton Rd., Worksop, Notts. Dahours Communal Cemetery Extension, France. Research by Colin Dannatt
