2nd Lieutenant Leonard Henry Barber

6th Battalion Manchester Regiment

Leonard Barber was born in Moss Side in October 1888 to his parents James and Susannah Barber.  James Barber was a children’s costume manufacturer with factory premises in Fairfield Street, Manchester.  Leonard was one of five children and the family lived for many years in Levenshulme before moving to 'The Belmore' on Brooklands Road sometime before 1911.  Leonard attended Manchester Grammar School and was employed in his father's business after leaving school.

Leonard enlisted as a Private in the 6th Battalion, Manchester Regiment in August 1914.

The 6th Battalion was part of The Manchester Brigade and on 10 September 1914 the Brigade set sail for Egypt, arriving in Alexandria on 25 September. The Battalion remained in Alexandria to garrison key military installations until May 1915 when it was transferred to the Balkans, arriving in Gallipoli on 6 May. On 21 May Leonard was granted a commission and promoted to Second Lieutenant.

Leonard was reported as missing on 5 June 1915, in all probability during an engagement at the village of Krithia (later known as the Third Battle of Krithia) attempting to break out of the Helles bridgehead.  It appears it was many months before Leonard was confirmed as killed in action, as his parents reported in the June 1916 St John’s Church Magazine that he was still missing.  He was 27.

Leonard never married and the medals he was posthumously awarded were passed to his father.

His death is recorded on the Helles Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey and he is commemorated on our War Memorial at St. John’s.

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