Pte 22089 Leonard Gibson

• Age: 21
• From: Widnes, Lancs
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 20th Btn
• K.I.A Wednesday 1st August 1917
• Commemorated at: Menin Gate Memorial
  Panel Ref: Panel 4 & 6

Leonard Gibson was born in 1895 in Widnes and was the son of James Gibson and his wife Eleanor (nee Randles) of 88 Cholmondeley Street, Widnes. His parents married on 04th May 1887 at Trinity Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Frodsham. 

The 1901 Census shows the family living at 88 Cholmondeley Street, Widnes. His father, James, is a 37 year old ships carpenter born in Runcorn, whilst his mother Eleanor is 35 years of age also born in Runcorn. They have five children declared in the household; John W. 12 born in Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire,  Ada 9 born in Runcorn, Leonard 5 born in Widnes, Doris M. 3 born in Widnes, and Frederick 5 months also born in Widnes.

His father died, aged 40, in 1903. 

Leonard was a pupil at the West Bank Council school and a member of the Hartland Wesleyan Chapel in Oakland Street, West Bank. 

The 1911 Census shows the family are still living at 88 Cholmondeley Street, Widnes. His mother Eleanor is a widow aged 46, born in 1865. She had been married for 24 years before being widowed and had seven children of which one had died. The children listed in the household are: William John is aged 22 and is a carpenter and joiner and was born in Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire, Ada is aged 19, is a packer for a dry soap manufacturer, Leonard aged 15, shown as born in 1896 is a junior clerk also for dry soap manufacturer, Doris aged 13, was born 1898, Frederick aged 10, born 1901 and James Henry aged 8, born 1903 are at school.

Prior to enlisting he had been employed as a clerk at Gossage's soap works.

Leonard enlisted on the 05^th November 1914 in Liverpool joining the 20th Battalion of The King's Liverpool Regiment as Private 22089. He stated that he was aged 19 years and one day and he gave his occupation as a clerk. He was five feet four and half inches tall, weighed 112lbs, with a  34” chest, he had a fresh complexion, grey eyes and light brown hair. He stated his religion as Wesleyan. His next of kin was his mother Eleanor, of 88 Cholmondeley Street.    

Formed in November 1914 the 20^th Battalion were originally billeted at Tournament Hall, Knotty Ash before on 29^th January 1915 they moved to the hutted accommodation purposely built at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 20th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He arrived in France on 07^th November 1915.

26.09.15: Absent without leave- Confined to barracks for one day and forfeit of a days pay.

His brother Frederick died, aged 15, on 31st July 1916 (not war related).

08.12.16: Granted leave from 8.12.16-17.12.16.

Leonard was killed in action on the 01st August, 1917, aged 21, during the third Battle of Ypres.

The 20th Battalion diary gives details of the circumstances that the Battalion found themselves in during the early phases of the 3rd Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele). Having taken part in the initial fighting of 31st July 1917 there is a general write up in relation to the period 01st -08th August and specifics solely from the 03rd August. As such it is impossible to say exactly how each of the men who fell on 01st or 2nd August met their death.

20^th Battalion Diary 01^st August – 08^th August

The Battalion continued to hold the position taken up on the morning of 31^st July. After the first day the weather was very wet and the going very difficult, but the men’s spirits remained wonderfully good. From time to time there was very heavy enemy shelling and in addition to this machine guns and snipers were very active. The work of communication was extremely difficult and the wires to Companies and to Battalions on our flanks were repeatedly cut and were only kept going by most excellent work by our linesmen, who suffered very heavy casualties as also did the runners. 

His death was reported in the Widnes Weekly News and District Reporter on Friday 17th August 1917;

ONE BROTHER KILLED, ANOTHER GASSED.

On returning home from visiting her eldest son, Sapper John Gibson, who is suffering gas poisoning in hospital in London, Mrs E. Gibson of 88 Cholmondeley street, on Tuesday, received notice of the death in action of Private Leonard Gibson of the King’s (Liverpool Regiment). The worst news was conveyed by Private Walter Bratt, who wrote: “I hardly know how to break the sad news that dear Leonard, who was killed during the recent advance. I feel it my bounden duty to write and tell you about it, as he was my best pal, and I assure you I valued his friendship and have done ever since we enlisted together three years ago. It is small consolation, I know, for me to tell you that he suffered no pain. He was killed instantly by a shell whilst bravely doing his duty. All the boys join with me in extending this very heartfelt sympathy in your sad bereavement. I trust that God will give you strength to bear your heavy loss.”

Private Leonard Gibson was 21 years of age, and enlisted nearly three years ago in the King’s (Liverpool Regiment). He was drafted to France two years ago. Before enlisting he was employed in the office of Messrs. William Gossage and Sons. He was educated at West Bank School, and attended Hartland Wesleyan Chapel. One of his letters, descriptive of scenes at the front was published in these columns on July 14, 1916. His brother, sapper John Gibson, who is suffering from gas poisoning, is now making favourable progress. He is 28 years of age and enlisted three years ago. He was sent to Egypt twelve months ago last June, and later was drafted to the Dardanelles. At Christmas, 1915 he came home suffering from dysentery, and in the following March was sent to France. When at home he attended Hartland Sunday school and chapel, and in civil life was employed as a joiner at Messrs. William Gossage and Sons works. 

His body was not recovered or was subsequently lost as he has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.

The site of the Menin Gate was chosen because of the hundreds of thousands of men who passed through it on their way to the battlefields. It commemorates casualties from the forces of Australia, Canada, India, South Africa and United Kingdom who died in the Salient. In the case of United Kingdom casualties, only those prior 16 August 1917 (with some exceptions). United Kingdom and New Zealand servicemen who died after that date are named on the memorial at Tyne Cot, a site which marks the furthest point reached by Commonwealth forces in Belgium until nearly the end of the war. New Zealand casualties that died prior to 16 August 1917 are commemorated on memorials at Buttes New British Cemetery and Messines Ridge British Cemetery.

The YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL now bears the names of more than 54,000 officers and men whose graves are not known. The memorial, designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield with sculpture by Sir William Reid-Dick, was unveiled by Lord Plumer on 24 July 1927.

His mother had just returned home from visiting her other son, John, who was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers and in hospital suffering from gas poisoning. The telegram informing her of the death in action of Leonard was delivered just as she arrived home. She later learned he had been killed by shell-fire during the fighting for Pilkem Ridge. She also received his personal effects which consisted of photos, a wallet, a National Savings Certificate and a bag.

Soldiers Effects of £6 2s 11d, war gratuity of £12 10s to mother Ellen, £3 5s 5d each to Sisters Ada Brady, Doris and brother John. Pension of 4/- pw to mother, later raised to 10/-. 

Leonard was remembered by his family on the first anniversary of his death in the Runcorn Weekly News of 01st August 1918: 

GIBSON - In loving memory of my dear pal Leonard (Len) who was killed in action 1st August, 1917. -  Ever remembered by his pal, Tom Leach (still in France). -  Called to higher service.

GIBSON - In loving memory of Private Leonard Gibson (Pals), who was killed in action 1st August, 1917; also Fred, aged 15 years, who died 31st July, 1916. - Sadly missed by Mother, Brothers and Sisters. - 88 Cholmondeley Street, Widnes.

In the midst of life death claimed him,

In the pride of his manhood days;

None knew him but to love him,

None mentioned his name but with prayers.

Also on the second anniversary of his death in the Runcorn Weekly News 02nd August 1919:

GIBSON - In loving memory of my beloved son, Leonard Gibson (Pals). who was killed in France, August 1st, 1917, aged 21 years; also Fred, who died July 31st, 1916, aged 15 years. - Ever remembered by their Mother, Brothers and Sisters. - 88 Cholmondeley Street, Widnes.

No morning dawns, no night returns,

But we think of you.

Ten years after his death the Runcorn Weekly News of 07th October 1927 recalled Leonard's death:

Leonard is commemorated locally at St Mary's Church.  

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