Leonard George's Story.
Birkenhead News 04 August 1917
WEST KIRBY SERGEANT KILLED.
Sergt. Leonard H. Emerson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Emerson, of Grange Road, West Kirby, who died in hospital in Boulogne, on July 28, is another victim of the diabolical use of gas introduced by the Germans into civilised warfare. Twenty-five years of age, he was possessed of splendid physique, and his kindly disposition made him most popular, not only in civilian life, but in his regiment, the Grenadier Guards. This famous corps he joined immediately on the outbreak of war, and he saw some of the heaviest fighting, notably on the Somme and round Lens. He was first promoted to be corporal, and then sergeant, and enjoyed the high esteem of his officers and his comrades. Unhappily he was gassed, and was admitted to hospital at Boulogne on July 26, and only survived two days.
The above article is reproduced word for word, however, there are some inaccuracies in the report. Leonard’s middle initial is G not H, and he died on the 26th July not the 28th. He was previously in the Grenadier Guards, service number 17782.