Newton-le-Willows and Earlestown War Memorial

In Memory of

Corporal Leonard Day

12343
6th Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers
Killed in Action 25th September 1915 Age 21

According to articles published in the NEG on 15th and 29th October 1915, Leonard, or Len as he was known to his friends, moved to Earlestown from Bromley, Kent, shortly before the War. SDGW gives his place of birth as Chislehurst, Kent. At the outbreak of war he was living with Mr. and Mrs. Boardman of 121 Wargrave Road, and had worked at Messrs. T and T Vicars.

He was a member of St. Philip's Men's Bible Class and Choir at Newton Common. Horace Rabjohns and Harold Yates were also members. He was one of the first from St. Philip's to enlist, joining the KOSB at Berwick, according to the NEG, though SDGW gives his place of enlistment as Warrington.

He returned to visit friends in Earlestown while on Furlough in January 1915, telling them that "he was most keen on his work". He was married "a short time ago, prior to going to France" to Lydia E. Day, whose address is given by CWGC as Melton Road, Briston, Melton Constable, Norfolk. The battalion landed at Boulogne on the 12th May 1915.

He was initially reported missing during the Battle of Loos. His name is recorded on the Loos Memorial at Dud Corner Cemetery. The name "Dud Corner" is believed to be due to the large number of unexploded enemy shells found in the neighbourhood after the Armistice. Alfred Goodwin also fell during the Battle of Loos.