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Frank Lester – ‘To save their lives he sacrificed his own’

Frank Lester (18 Feb 1896 Lancashire, England , died 12 October 1918 in France)

News coverage of events during the First World War in a way marked a new beginning of the manner in which correspondents cover conflict. The journalists working 100 years ago have left behind a unique and outstanding record of this dramatic moment in history. In the coming years you will see through Old British News the finite micro stories, the heroism and grief and the general coverage as events unfold. This was the first war when not only editorial but images played such a huge part to paint a clearer if highly patriotic picture.

As the war is heading towards ceasefire, and after four years of conflict and pain, news media is still as sharp as ever. Here, The Liverpool Echo, is reporting on two local men who received the Victoria Cross.

Here is their special report;

Corporal of Frank Lester, 10th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, one of the two Cheshire men who figure in the new list of VC winners, was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lester, “Miller’s Hey”, Irby (his family research data here).

02The official account of his deed is as follows:

During the clearing of the village of Neuvilly on October 12 1918, with a party of about seven men under an officer, he was the first to enter a house from the back door, and shot two Germans as they attempted to get out of the front door. A minute later a fall of masonry blocks the door by which the party had escaped. The only exit into the street was under fire at point blank range. The street also was swept by the fire of machine guns at close range. Observing that an enemy sniper was causing heavy casualties to a party in a house across the street. Corporal Lester exclaimed, “I’ll settle him,” and, dashing out into the street, shot by sniper at close quarters, falling mortally wounded at the same instant. This gallant man knew well it was certain death to go into the street, and the party opposite was faced with the alternative of crossing the fire swept street or staying where it was and being shot one by one. To save their lives he sacrificed his own.

Corporal Esther was born in Hayton, and came with his parents to reside in Hoylake, when he was one year old. About six years ago the family went to reside in the dreamy little village of Irby; and it was from there that Corporal Leicester went to serve his country on the 30th of March, 1916. Prior to joining up he helped his father, who was a market gardener.

The first intimation of his bravery King to Mrs. Lester in a letter, which told of the death of a gallant son. Lt. Roderick Graham wrote:

I regret to tell you of the death of your son, Corporal F. Lester, 10th the Lancashire fusiliers. He had not only been very long in my company, but I had noticed him as a very good soldier. It has been a great blow to me as he was with me when he was shocked by a sniper. He died at once. I have brought his bravery to the notice of my colonel.

Early in his training the dead hero showed promise of becoming a good soldier. He came away from a Chelsea military school with the highest honours, and with certificates which qualified him for the post of sergeant major. He was made sergeant instructor but like many others was reduced to a private when he left England for the front at the beginning of March of this year. He entered the back door of the fray, and, after a fierce encounter, was one of 30 left either 1100.

On 30th of March he came to England on rest leave suffering from a slight wound he returned to the front in September.

Corporal Lester was of retiring disposition, and, when writing to his parents, really mentioned anything appertaining to his military life. He was 22 years of age, and in his younger days was an enthusiastic member of the Hoylake Boys Brigade. He was a keen musician, and play the organ at the chapel at Irby.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester lost another son in July 1917. He succumbed to heart failure after the battle of Gaza. There is one son left – a boy of 12 – and two daughters.

 

 

A special Old British News report on Thomas Neeley is here.

See our wide ranging highly informative special features and coverage of World War One here. A free voluntary research service is available for you if you are looking for a family relative who served in, was alive during or was lost in war.