Pte 52467 Leslie Gabb

Leslie Gabb was born in the March quarter of 1898 at, 3 Parsons Row, Upper Ipsley, Warwickshire. He the son of Stroud born foreman George Henry Gabb and his wife Ada Ann (née Heaton) who were married on the 17th September 1887 at the Parish Church, Headless Cross, Redditch. George was a 32 year old carriage varnisher of Headless Cross, his father, Jesse, was a moulder, whilst Ada was aged 29, also of Headless Cross, her father, Samuel, a fishing rod maker. They had seven children of whom three died before the 1911 Census at the age of two; Alice in 1890, Doris in 1898, and Florence in 1902. Leslie was the sixth child with two elder brothers and four sisters. He was baptised on the 15th October 1898 at St Stephen’s Church, Redditch, his father a brass worker of 3 Parsons Row. 

The 1901 shows the family living at 3 Parsons Row, Upper Ipsley. His father, George, is aged 45, and is a foreman, born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, his mother, Ada, is aged 42, a fishing tackle maker, born in Birmingham. Their children all born in Redditch are; Albert 12, Elsie 9, George 6, Leslie is recorded as “Elisha” aged 3, and Maud 1. Also present is Ada’s mother Mary Heaton aged 70.

On the 1911 Census the family have moved to 31 Morville Street, Ladywood, Birmingham. His father, George, is aged 55, and a brass founder, his mother, Ada, is aged 52, also a brass founder(?). They declare four children in the household and they are; Albert Jesse 22, a cycle maker,  Elsie 19, a capstan lathe worker, George 16, a rivetter, and Leslie 13, at school.  

Prior to the outbreak of war, Leslie worked for blacksmiths B.C. Barton and son, Granville Street. 

On the 02nd September 1914 Leslie enlists in Birmingham as Pte R1269 into the 11th Service Battalion of the King's Royal Rifles, declaring that he was born in Redditch, his occupation was as a saw sharpener, he advised that he was 19 years and 90 days old but really he was only 16 years old. He was described as being 5 feet five and a half inches tall,  weighed 112 lbs, had dark brown eyes and black hair with a scar on his right shoulder. He stated his religion as Church of England, and as his next of kin was his father, George, of 31 Morville Street. However, because of his Weak Chest he was discharged as unfit just 31 days later on the 02nd October 1914

Undeterred, he appears to have enlisted again elsewhere in Birmingham as Pte. 22867 Leslie Gabb into the Lancashire Fusiliers and he was later transferred into the 18th (Pals) Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Pte 52467 Leslie Gabb.

His eldest brother George Sydney Gabb was Pte 430806 Agr. Labour Corp and his other elder brother Albert Jesse Gabb was Sgt. 203296 in 1st Btn Royal Warwickshire Regt. Both survived the War.

Leslie and his 18th Pals were engaged in The First Battle of the Scarpe

"Snow fell heavily during g the night of 9/10th April 1917. Major W Campbell Commanding the 18th King's formed the left assaulting Battalion of the 21st Brigade the advance was to begin at 11.38 a.m. to conform with the 56th Division on our Left further North near Arras. Our objective was the Front line system Lion Lane to Panther Lane to the Strong Point known as "The Egg" ( a German redoubt of considerable strength).This necessitated an advance across the open of 2000 yards under considerable Artillery Fire from guns of all calibre. On going past the position immediately in front of the German line it was found that the wire was practically uncut,  this wire formed two strong belts in front of the German Trenches, the Battalion held on in this position for the remainder of the day until relieved by the 16th Manchesters at 3.a.m.on the 10th April, all the time under intense Machine gun and rifle fire."

The Btn Diary states 2 Officers killed in Action 1 missing and 8 wounded, there were no statistics recorded for Other Ranks. Leslie however would have been one of those Other Ranks wounded. He died in consequence of his wounds on 12 April 1917 at a Field Hospital, aged 19.

He earned his two medals. 

His pay of £4:7s:2d were sent to his father George Henry Gabb at 31 Morville St, Ladywwod on 16th July 1917 
 
A War Gratuity of £7:10s was sent to his father on the 31st December 1919, but a pension was refused. 

His mother having passed away, aged 56, in the September quarter of 1914. 

His father died, aged 82, in 1936. 

We currently have no further information on Leslie Gabb. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.