Leonard Thorpe was born in Repton, Derbyshire, England on 27 November 1882.

The 1901 Census shows that the family lived at The Farm, Repton, Derbyshire.  The head of the family was Jane Thorpe aged 55, A Farmer. Her husband Henry John Thorpe had died some years previously.  She had two children – Kate Thorpe aged 31 and Leonard Thorpe aged 18, who was employed as a Grocer’s Assistant.

By 1911, Leonard now aged 28 was living as a Boarder at North Leys, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, but was still employed as a Grocer’s Assistant.

He enlisted initially with the South Staffordshire Regiment as Private No. 40188, but later transferred to 6th Battalion King’s Own Scottish Regiment.  He served in Flanders and died of wounds received in action on Friday 4 October 1918.

On 8 March 1919, a payment of £13. 11s. 4d. was made by the War Office to Mrs Jane Thorpe, being monies owed to her son Leonard.  On 13 December 1919, a further payment which is recorded as a War Gratuity of £11. 10s. 0d. was also made to her.

The National Probate Calendar for 1919, which was administered in London states that Leonard Thorpe on his death had left the sum of £224. 10s. 6d. to his mother, Mrs Jane Thorpe.

Leonard is also remembered on a Remembrance Plaque at The Royal Alexandra Hospital, Marine Drive, Rhyl, Flintshire and on The North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Deiniol Road, Bangor, North Wales.