Leonard Gillborn
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Leonard was born in Second Quarter 1885 at New Radford, Nottingham and was the son of Mr. Albert and Mrs. Maria Gillborn of 30 Norton Street, Radford,Nottingham Not found family on 1891 Census On the 1901 Census he is living with his parents and siblings – Albert H, Florence, Frederick, William, May and Clara – at 9 Leopold Street, Old Radford. His father is listed as a fitter and his mother as a shirt maker. Albert is listed as a joiner and Leonard as an errand boy. On the 1911 Census he is with 1st Battalion in India and serving as a Lance Sergeant.
Enlisted in 4th Battalion Sherwood Foresters as 9005 Private 5th April 1902 Transferred to Northumberland Fusiliers 10th July 1902 Served in India with 1st Battalion Awarded 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal Landed in France 13th August 1914 with original draft of battalion Served in D (Z) Company D Company were in reserve at Cuemes on 23rd August 1914 Fought at Frameries 24th August 1914 Retreat from Mons Fought at Le Cateau 26th August 1914 Crossed Marne 9th September 1914 Fought at the Aisne September 1914 Fought around Neuve Chappelle October 1914 Awarded DCM for the attack on Herenthage Chateau stables during which he was killed (London Gazette 5th December 1918)
On enlistment he stated that he previous military experience in 2nd Battalion, Notts Rifle Volunteers. This became the 4th (Nottinghamshire) Volunteer Battalion The Sherwood Foresters (Notts & Derbys) Regt in 1902 so it may have been that he had to resign an attestation. Gillborn was a noted sniper and was described as ‘being especially effective in retaliating against enemy snipers’. Gillborn’s DCM was awarded for the attack, but interestingly did not appear in the London Gazette until 5th December 1918. The citation reads ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a party of fifty men and recaptured a stable and two trenches lost earlier in the day. On numerous occasions he exhibited fine courage and ready resource’. On the same day another DCM winner, Corporal Fisk was also killed. He won his DCM on 26th October at Neuve Chapelle. Article published 30th November 1914 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “A GALLANT NOTTINGHAM SOLDIER “KILLED IN ACTION. “News has been received by Mrs Gillborn, of 11, Addington-road, Nottingham, of the death at the front of her son, Company Sergeant-Major Leonard Gillborn, of the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers. The deceased, who was only 29 years of age, served for some time with his regiment in India and has gained promotion since he has been in the fighting line. The distinguished conduct medal was bestowed upon him by the Commander-in-Chief for conspicuous bravery in the field, and Sir Douglas Haig added his congratulations on what he termed “a well-earned reward,” and expressed his regret that the gallant soldier did not survive to receive it. “The commanding officer of the Northumberland Fusiliers has written to the mother expressing his sympathy. He says: “Your gallant son was my acting company sergeant-major. On the night of the 15th November he very gallantly led a charge with 50 men of the company and succeeded in capturing two trenches and a stable which were held by the Germans. By his death the battalion has lost a gallant non-commissioned officer, and I feel that I have lost my right hand man, and a true friend. Enclosed is a copy of the order, from which you will see that your son was awarded the medal for distinguished conduct in the field. No man more thoroughly deserved it.”” Above is courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918
