Leonard Tomlinson
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
John Tomlinson married Emma Jane Sheppard at Retford in 1884. They lived in Spittal Hill in Retford for the rest of their lives and all their children were born there except the first born, Grace who was born in Newark in 1884. The couple had another ten children, John George 1885, Fanny 1886, Kathleen 1888, Florence Jane 1891, Emma 1893, Leonard 1896, Dorothy 1899. Ethel 1898, Christina 1901, Mary Charlotte 1904 and Margaret born 1906. John supported his family through his earnings as a lifelong occupation as a house painter and decorator. There were two of their offspring who did not survive after joining the colours. One was Leonard Tomlinson, born 1896. By 1911 he had just started his working life and whilst living with his parents was working as an apprentice iron moulder in the local foundry, aged just 15. The other that failed to return was George Tomlinson who was born in 1885 and registered as John George. Although mainly referred to as George, in 1911 he was working at Doncaster for the Doncaster Wire Company as a wire drawer under the name John George. In 1914 he married Frances Mary Thackery in Rotherham and the following year had a son named George W Tomlinson who was born back in Retford.
2nd Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment Leonard enlisted at Doncaster. He went to France on 8 December 1914 and was killed in action on 29 October 1915. He is buried in the Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery, Belgium (grave ref. DI.14). CWGC - History of Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery (extract): The cemetery is close to the town of Ieper [Ypres]. 'Potijze was within the Allied lines during practically the whole of the First Word War and although subject to incessant shell fire, Potijze Chateau contained an Advanced Dressing Station. Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery was used from April 1915 to October 1918.'
Leonard's brother John George served with the 1st Lincolnshire Regiment (32619 Private) and was killed in action on 14 November 1914. (See record on this Roll of Honour) CWGC headstone personal inscription: 'Greater love than this no man hath that a may lay down his life for his friends' CWGC Additional information: 'Son of John and Emma Tomlinson, of 57, Spital Hill, Retford, Nottinghamshire.' Retford Times, 12 November 1915 'Pte Leonard Tomlinson 'Died that England might live 'Two Retford brothers killed. 'This week news has reached Retford of more brave soldiers deaths. On November 14th last year Mr and Mrs J Tomlinson's eldest son George of the 1st Lincolns was killed in action [14 November 1914], and now their only surviving son, Leonard, of the Yorks and Lancs has made the great sacrifice. Deep sympathy is extended to Mr and Mrs Tomlinson in their irreparable loss and we trust that the thought that he died bravely fighting for his country will be of some little consolation. Pte Leonard Tomlinson who celebrated his 19th birthday in the trenches had been "doing his bit" in France about 12 months. He forfeited a lance corporalship to go out and seek his brother's grave. 'The brave lad had a chum, Pte M Murray in a letter to Mr and Mrs Tomlinson says:- "I write these few lines on behalf of No 3 section, to which your son belonged, and I am very sorry to tell you that he was killed on the 29th October. He died a hero's death. He was carrying messages under a heavy bombardment. Leonard and I were great friends, and I am sure he was everybody's chum . When I came out in February he was the only one I knew. I asked him if anything happen to me to write and tell my parents, and I said I would do the same for him. I am very sorry that you have lost both your sons in this terrible war. Four of our family are serving and two have been wounded and are now in England. I thank God that they are nearly better. Leonard told me to remember him to his young lady Miss D Anson. 'Second Lieutenant H L Ward writes:- "it is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son Leonard. he was killed in the execution of his duty during a bombardment, and it might be some slight consolation to you that death was instantaneous. He was runner of my platoon and this is a post of responsibility , only given to the best man. He was popular with his comrades and liked by all. His company officers says he was one of the best soldiers in 'C' company. You may rest assured that he died a death that any mother would be proud of, carrying on his duties with death all around him , and when his time came dying that England might live."'
