Leonard Frank Wells
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He was the son of Leonard Robert and Agnes Wells and the brother of Agnes Victoria and George Dodson Wells. In 1901 his parents lived at 5 Waldock Road, Mapperley, in the parish of St John, Carrington; Leonard Frank, their only child, was one year old. By 1911 they had moved to 8 Arboretum Street. Leonard senior was described on the census as a corn merchant in partnership with his father and brother. He and Agnes had been married for 12 years and had had four children born living, one of whom had died. Their surviving children were Leonard Frank, now aged 11, his sister Agnes (9) and George (2). Also in the household was a female domestic servant. His parents later moved to Fiskerton, Nottinghamshire (CWGC).
West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Own) 9th (Yorkshire Hussars) Bn. He was gazetted to the West Yorkshire Regiment, 'cadets to be temp. 2nd Lts, 1 May 1918' (London Gazette, 7 May 1918). He arrived in France on 1 July 1918. He is buried in Naves Communal Cemetery Extension (grave ref II.A.19). He qualified for the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
Nottingham Evening Post obituary (abridged) 16 October 1918: 'WELLS killed in action October 11th, Second Lieutenant Leonard Frank Wells, West Yorkshire's, eldest son of Leonard Robert and Agnes Wells, 53 Sandon(?) Street, Nottingham, age 19.'Article published 17th October 1918 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “SEC.-LIEUT. LEONARD FRANK WELLS, West Yorks., who was killed in action on the 11th inst., [October 1918] was the eldest son of Mr. L. R. Wells (Messrs. G. R. Wells and Sons), of 53 Sandon-street, New Basford. Less than 20 years of age, he was educated at Mr. H. T. Facon's Preparatory School and at the High School. He was a member of the Cadet Corps at the latter institution and afterwards of the University College Cadet Corps under Captain Trotman. He was given his commission early in April of this year, and went to France early in June. It is a pathetic coincidence that the news of his death practically coincided with the intimation that he had been awarded the Military CrossThe citation was published in the 'London Gazette' on 15th October 1918:“T./2nd Lt. Leonard Frank Wells, attd. W. York. R.“For conspicuous gallantry and initiative whilst in command of a daylight patrol of two other ranks. He entered the enemy front line and proceeded along, it for over 400 yards. On leaving it .bombs were thrown at them from an enemy post. He skilfully arranged his party for a simultaneous attack, and successfully rushed the post, capturing and bringing back the occupants. He showed great ability and enterprise, and did fine work.”Above articles are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
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