“I hardly know how to tell you that Leonard was killed in action today. He was with the 7th Battalion (Robin Hoods) in performance of his duties as Brigade Intelligence Officer. I have just had a wire to say that he was killed while in one of the second line trenches – probably, but I do not know, by a German sniper.

I was asked some little time ago to nominate an Intelligence Officer for the Brigade, and I named Leonard, as I was struck with the intelligence and keeness with which he carried out his work.”During the evening of the 25th the 1/7th Battalion ‘stood to’ as the 1/8th Battalion made a ‘demonstration’ against the Germans. It was most likely during this action that William Brown was shot by a sniper.

Sept 25th. Heavy bombardment by our artillery, so stood to from 4 a.m. onwards. Rose about 7-30 a.m. & had breakfast. Rifle inspn 10 a.m. Paid 20 frs at 2-30 p.m. Dull day & showers at intervals. German trenches taken at Hooge, La Bassee & Neuve Chapelle & also on French front.

[3289 Pte George William Beardsley]