Horrocks William's Story.
Birkenhead News 09 December 1916West Kirby Lad
Killed in Action.
The death is announced of Pte. Horrocks William Leech, of the Cheshire Regiment. He was the eldest son of Mr. William Leech, of Caldy Road, being born in Caldy twenty years ago. He was a grand lad, typical of the best the country produces, and had been in France nearly 18 months at the time of his death. He belonged to that fine company of C.L.B. boys who quickly responded on the outbreak of war. They have all been a credit to the district, and to the officers who gave much time to their tuition. The subject of this notice adds yet another to the list of that organisation who have made the supreme sacrifice. He was beloved by all who knew him, and the sorrow for his loss is general in the district. Another brother is now in England, recovering from wounds.
The following tribute came from one of his comrades :- “Monday, Nov. 27th, 1916. Dear Mrs. Leech, I hope you will excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you. I would that I could be spared the task as my news is of the saddest. I regret to inform you of the death of your son on November 15th. He was one of my best pals, and also one of the best soldiers. He was killed by a shell, and after he was struck his only concern was his mates, although he was rather badly wounded. He lived about ten minutes, and I can assure you he suffered no pain. I hope you will accept this unworthy token of sympathy from me, in memoriam of a true British hero, in which the whole of the Machine Gun Section join me. – Believe me, yours respectfully, Lance-Corpl. F. Gorst, 12614, 9th Cheshire M.G. Sect., B.E.F., France. P.S. – I shall be very pleased to answer any inquiries you care to make. Sorry I could not inform you before now.”
Although the above reproduced article reports the date of death as 15th November, the actual date of death is 16th November as recorded in military records.