London, Leonard

Leonard was baptised at St Paul’s church, Warwick on 1st March 1891. The family lived at 10 West Street and his father is recorded as an upholsterer.

By the 1901 census, Leonard (10) is one of seven children: Ellie (19), Frederick Jnr. (17), Renie (15), George (11), Henry (7) and Harold (5). His father was a Cabinet maker and Upholsterer on his own account (see advertisement below). Frederick Jnr was employed as a Cabinet Maker, probably in his father’s business.

At the time of the 1911 census, Leonard, aged 20 and working as a paperhanger, probably in his father’s business), was living with his parents and 3 of his 7 siblings at 10 West Street, Warwick. His older brother George (21) was a college student, his older sister Ellie (29) was a teacher and his younger brother Harold (15) was still at school.

Leonard married Mildred Lee in 1912 in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, her home town. Later that year they had their only child, a son Leonard Frederick.

Mildred married again in 1922, to Percy George Biles. They had two daughters, Barbara and Judith. Mildred died in Rugby in 1976 aged 89.

Leonard’s three brothers all survived the war.  Leonard is commemorated on his grand father’s grave in Warwick Cemetery:

The inscription reads:

In Loving Memory of LEONARD LONDON who departed this life Dec 27th 1880 in his 65th year.
Also in Loving Memory of LEONARD LONDON grandson of the above killed in action May 9th 1918 aged 26 years. Interred Robeco Road Cemetery, St Verant, France