Driver 705756 Leonard Holt

Family details:
Son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Holt, of 62, Gloucester Rd., Urmston, Manchester. Native of St. Helens, Lancs.

Census details:
1901 - Not found. 1911 - Sees 16 years old 'Electrical Fitter' Leonard living at 25 Victoria Street, Urmston with parents Michael (50), Mary (45) and four siblings: Frank (13), Joseph (8), Arthur (5), Alice (3).

[b]Newpaper Article.[/b] Cheerful and unselfish Urmston Soldier loses his life accidentally in France We are sorry to have to record the death of another Urmston soldier this week, namely that of Driver Leonard Holt, of the Royal Field Artillery, whose home was at 25 Victoria Street, Urmston. Len Holt as he was familiarly called by his companions joined up on September 8th 1914 and after the usually training was sent out to Egypt with his battery. In February of last year he was drafted to France, and according to an eye witness was killed in an accident from one of our own guns. The official notification gives the date as February 3rd. A soldier friend names Frank Blakely, writing to his parents on February 5th says 'It is with deep regret I write these lines concerning the death of your son Leonard, but I know it will console you a little hear from his chum who knew and understood him thoroughly. It was only a fortnight ago that he was transferred to a French Mortar Battery. We had a good deal of time in each others company since then. I saw him last about five days ago and he mentioned that he had sent you his new address. Last Sunday the news came down to me from another friend in the same battery, that Len had been badly wounded. I refused to believe it at first, but I am sorry to say that it was true, and the next day came the saddening news that Len had died. (article is torn here) He did not suffer any pain when he passed away. I can't describe my feelings on hearing this, which meant the loss of my best and closest friend, but this can be nothing compared to the feelings of his mother. I hope that you and all the family will accept my deepest sympathy in your sad loss. I was present today along with others of his comrades, at the funeral, when he was buried by the Roman Catholic Padre. Perhaps it will be some consolation to you to know that he is buried at a place behind the lines untouched by the war. Several of the boys have asked me to convey to you their heartfelt sympathy. Len was popular with everyone, and though he has gone from this life, 'his spirit of cheerfulness and unselfishness will always be present in our thoughts.' This was supplemented by another letter from a gunner in the same battery, who says: ' Len was my best pal, and I can honestly tell you that his death has upset me a deal' Leonard Holt was scholar at the English Martyrs' school, and after leaving, was apprenticed at the Westinghouse works, afterwards going to work near Castleton station, at Messers Tweedale and Smalley's. Mr & Mrs Holt have another son in the army, Frank, who has been invalided home with trench feet and is now engaged on a farm near Cambridge. Driver Leonard Holts private memorial organised by the Officers, NCO's and men of his trench mortar battery. [pic]imgs/WW1_headstones/L_Holt_RFA.jpg[/pic][caption]The headstone of Driver Leonard Holt at Chocques Military Cemetery (Photograph courtesy of Ste M.)[/caption]