Leonard FOSTER (2)

DE RUVIGNY'S ROLL OF HONOUR 1914-1918 – Part Two

FOSTER, LEONARD, 2nd Lieut., 15th (Service) Battn. The Prince of Wales’s Own West Yorkshire Regt., yr. s. of John William Foster, of The Prospect, Pool, co. York, Draper, by his wife, Lucy Anne, dau. of Thomas Turvey, of Beverley; b. Long Preston, co. York, 29 June, 1889; educ. Ilkley Grammar School, and on leaving there was articled to Mr. G.W. Atkinson, Architect and Surveyor, during which time he passed the Surveyors’ Institute and A.R.I.B.A. Exam., winning many prizes and medals for architectural designs, beside his ordinary work, and was subsequently employed at the Municipal Buildings, Leeds; enlisted in Aug. 1914, after the outbreak of war; obtained a commission in the 15th West Yorkshire Regt. 26 July, 1915; served with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force in Egypt from the following Dec., also with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders from March, 1916, and died in the Empire Hospital, Westminster, 13 Aug. 1916, from wounds received in action at the Battle of the Somme on 1 July previously. His Colonel wrote: “I knew him intimately. He was Adjutant to me for a time, and I never met a man I could trust more. Duty was his watchword and high principle guided all his actions. I lost in him one of the best officers any Commanding Officer could wish to have, and a dear friend and comrade.” and Mr. Atkinson: “I loved him and admired his splendid qualities, which I had every opportunity of realizing during the many years it was my good fortune to be associated with him. His unfailing personal charm and absolute reliability made him what he was, one of the most charming, capable gentleman in the world.” He m. at Burley Church, 9 Oct. 1915, Martha Avery, dau. of George Hill; s.p.

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966

1917

FOSTER Leonard of 34 St. Michael’s lane Headingley-cum-Burley Leeds a second-lieutenant in the West Yorkshire regiment died 13 August 1916 at the Empire Hospital Vincent-square Westminster on active service Probate Wakefield 26 January to Martha Avery Foster widow. Effects £1234 1s. 10d.