Edward Leadbetter was born on 25th June 1897 in Stafford, Staffordshire. The older of two children, his parents were William and Sarah Leadbetter. William was 18 years older that his wife: Sarah had been married before, and brought two children to their marriage, Edward’s half-siblings Elijah and Mary.
William was a boot- and shoe finisher, and, when he left school, this is a trade into which Edward followed when he left school. When was came to Europe, though, he stepped up to play his part, enlisting in the Yorkshire & Lancashire Regiment on 12th December 1915.
Private Leadbetter was not to be formally mobilized for another six months, however, at which point he attended his medical examination. His service records confirm that he stood just 5ft 2.5ins (1.59m) tall and weighed 104lbs (47kg). Interestingly, he was noted as being of poor physical development.
Initially assigned to the 5th Battalion, Private Leadbetter arrived in France on 26th September 1916. Within a couple of weeks, he had been transferred to the 12th Battalion and moved to the Front Line. He was positioned in the tranches on the Ancre River.
Edward was admitted to the 94th Field Ambulance in Gézaincourt on 17th January 1917. The cause of his injury or ailment not recorded, although it is likely to have been minor, as he was released to the 19th Casualty Clearing Station two days later, returning to his battalion on 8th February.
This return to duty was not to be long, however, as, on 16th February, Private Leadbetter was killed in action. He was just 20 years of age, and his body was laid to rest in the Courcelles-au-Bois Communal Cemetery, to the north of Albert, France.
Edward’s belongings were returned to William and Sarah in May. Army records confirm that they included: “4 farthings, 3 discs (1 Green), letters, cards, purse, belt, metal cigarette case, testament, gospel, cotton bag.”
Death and Service 