545927

Private 545927

Born in Penn, clues buried in the past

With Merry Hill and Warstones

How long before the War would play un-merry hell

And in another land bury his bones?

Private 545927

Lived in Manlove Street, clues wedded to the past

With Mr and Mr Lovesey.

How long before the War would take the love of their life

And send him across the foreign sea?

Private 545927

Served in Alexandria, clues buried in the sand

With the 54^th Division and armed force.

How long before the War would lead to division

And he would this life sadly divorce?

Private 545927

Young Leonard rests in Hadra, casualties under the sun

The War was over.

The war for Leonard was over, his course was likewise run.

In quiet solitude he is not alone,

Thousands of young men also did not come home

But in a piece of home tended far away

The white stones of War on parade every day

Remember those who fell.

Thank you private 545927,

And thank you to all of the others.

We think of you all kindly at peace in your Heaven,

We can never repay to your brothers

The debt that we owe.

By Linda Prince

(Private 545927 Leonard Lovesey died in an accident 2 days before returning home.  The photos below show him with his sister and cousin, as a young man and then just before he went to Alexandria.)