Leonard Charles's Story.
News Report
The Chester Observer Saturday, September 2, 1916
After twelve months’ fighting
We regret to learn of the death in action of Pte. Leonard Charles Kirkham, of the East Lancashire’s, after over twelve months service at the front. On Saturday, an official intimation was received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Kirkham, of 44 Louise Street, Chester, stating that their son was killed in action on July 25. The private was only 24 years of age, and was well known in Chester, particularly as a footballer. He attended the Northgate Congregational Church and was a prominent member of the Sunday school football team. Before the was he was employed on the railway at Northwich and enlisted within a month of the outbreak of hostilities.
The following letters have been received:
“Dear Mrs. Kirkham, it is with deep regret that I will tell you that your son, Len, was killed on July 25, while in the reserve trenches. A shell dropped on the dug-out. I hardly know what to say, as I feel so upset about it. We were always the best of pals and we billeted together in England. All the lads will miss him very much; he was always so jolly and happy. You can always say he died a soldier, fighting for his King and country (signed) Charlie Winnington, East Lancashire Regiment.”
In another letter Winnington states that Kirkham “was killed instantly and could not have suffered one second. He was buried along-side his comrades who were killed at the same time".