I believe that Leonard Carter was born in the June Quarter of 1898 in Warrington (Volume:8c, Page: 228). He was the third son of Emma Carter. On the 1901 census they were  living at 17, Plumpton Street, Warrington,  Lancashire. Emma Carter 35 was married and had been born in Cork, Ireland.  Her listed children were Harry 9,  Emily 8, William 5, Leonard 3, and Noah 4 months.   There were 2 Boarders living there Richard Boff, and John More, both Iron Workers (Puddlers).

(I found a marriage registered for an Emma Carter and a Noah Molyneaux in 1908 in Warrington).(Vol. 8c, Page 285)

On the 1911 census, living at 22, Farm Road, Garden City, Sealand, Chester was 45 year old Emma Molyneaux. She was recorded as head of the household, and a widow.  On the census form she stated that she had been married for 21 years. Ten children had been born to her, but 3 had died.  The children listed were  Harry 19, a Steel Sheet Mill General Labourer,   Emma 18, a domestic servant,  Billy 15,  a Sheet Mill Worker, Leonard, 13 a school boy,  Noah, 10 and  Enoch, 8. All were listed under the name Molyneaux.

UK Soldiers Who Died in the Great War 1914 -19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms Leonard’s regimental details as listed above. It tells us he was born in Warrington, lived in Hawarden and enlisted in Connah’s Quay. This source tells us he was killed in action in France/Flanders.  His medal index card also on ‘Ancestry’ details his medal entitlement, The Victory, British War and the Territorial Force War Medals. This last of the three medals tells us that Leonard was a Territorial soldier before 1914.

( The Territorial Force War Medal 1914-1919 was awarded to members of the Territorial Force only. To qualify, the recipient had to have been a member of the Territorial Force on or prior to 30th September 1914, and to have served in an operational theatre outside of the United Kingdom between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918.   Not awarded if awarded a Star).

Leonard’s Service Records have survived and are accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk. He is named Carter on the records. They tell us that  when he enlisted on the 26th March 1914 at Connah’s Quay, he was exactly 17 years old.  He gave his address as 22 Farm Road, Garden City and he worked at John Summers and Sons – Ironworks. He named his mother as his next of kin. Mr A J Richardson a foreman electrician of Bridge View, Garden City gave a reference for Leonard and said he had known him for 3 years and that he was ‘very steady’.

There is a Medical description of Leonard when he enlisted. He was described as being  5 feet 4 inches tall, his chest measurement was 32 and 1/2 inches when fully expanded, the range of expansion was 2 inches. His physical development and vision were “good”. He was deemed to be fit for service.

He served at  “Home” (in the UK)  till 10th June 1917, a period of 3 years 177 days. During that period he received a number of promotions – Lance Corporal, Acting Corporal and then acting Sergeant.

He was  posted as part of the British Expeditionary Force to France.  He left Southampton on the 10th June 1917 and  arrived  on the 11th June at Rouen.  He was posted to the 14th Bn R.W.F. on the 30th June, 1917.   On the 22nd April 1918 he was listed as ‘Wounded Missing’.  The Burial Officer wrote that Leonard was “Killed in action or died of wounds shortly after.”

There is correspondence in the Records between the Army and with Leonard’s mother Emma. These concern the receipt of his possessions – his ID disc seems to be all there was. Also the receipt of his commemorative plaque and scroll. (Emma had moved house by then and the letters were sent to Davies House, Pentre Hawarden).

Leonard is commemorated on a family grave in St Deniol’s Churchyard, Hawarden.

Sgt. Leonard Carter Killed in action France 27th April 1918 age 19 14th Batt.R.W.F. 240472

St. Deniol’s Churchyard -Monumental Inscriptions Volume 1V   North Extension, East Side. – Lovelock. Page 44. Sgt. 

There is no index card for Leonard Carter in The Flintshire Roll of Honour at The County Record office in Hawarden.

Leonard Carter is also named on the Hawarden War Memorial.

I have more Army details if anyone wants to contact me via the website.