Born in 1893 at Woodford, son of Alfred Isaac (Grocer and Wine Merchant) and Louisa Liddle. In 1900 his father died. 1901: He was with his widowed mother and family at “Daisybank” Derby Road, South Woodford. 1911: He was an Apprentice Electrical Engineer at the Electrical and Automobile Works in Bedford, while lodging with Dairyman George Gascoin and family at 20 Vulcan Street. By 1914 the family home was at “Glenalmond” 33 Derby Road.
He enlisted with the Territorial 6 North Staffords at Stafford on 2nd April 1914, where he was working as a Fitter with Siemens Bros. Co. Ltd, and living at 65 Northampton Road. The Battalion was embodied on 5th August 1914, and remained in England until arriving in France from Southampton on 5th March 1915. During 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme he was taken to 20 Casualty Clearing Station for treatment of a gunshot wound to the arm.
On 1st May 1917 at Arras the Battalion moved up to the front line on the North West edge of Bois De Riaumont, near the River Souchez by the Lens - Lieven Road.
At 19.00 on 24th May 1917 following a heavy artillery barrage they attacked the “Nash Alley”, and “Netley” trenches between “Nash” and “Novel” Alleys. Most of the objectives were secured, and a number of prisoners taken. Although the cost to the Battalion was described as “slight”, Leslie Liddle was reported missing after the action. A decision was formally made on 1st June 1917 to accept he had met his death during that days fighting. He was never found.
X/R: Lance Corporal Sidney Herbert Liddle (Brother).
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com