Leonard was born on 25 February1894 to Thomas & Lousia Hargate.
Leonard lived with brothers Ernest, Thomas, Willis and sisters Lily, Gladys and Jessie Hargate at 29/39 Station Road, Halfway according to 1901. In1911 census Doris and Janet had been born. At the age of 17 Leonard worked in the Coal Mine as a Pony Driver.
He enlisted on 26 Jan 1914 into Royal Marine Light Infantry Port No Ch./18352, he was on the HMS Laurentic. He died on 25 January 1917 – Grave not known.
Upper Fanar Cemetery, (St. Mura’s) Church of Ireland Churchyard. County Donegal Ireland. Killed or died as a direct result of enemy action.
Below is the Grave Registration Form
Leonard was awarded the Star, Victory and British Medal.
Leonard Hargate (1894-1917) worked at Messrs. J. & G. Wells Holbrook Colliery, prior to the outbreak of WW1. He enlisted with the Royal Marines Light Infantry at Nottingham on 26 January 1914 (No. 18352). He trained at Deal, where he was classified as Very Good in Infantry Practice and Musketry and First Class for Conduct. He was transferred to Chatham in September 1914 and embarked upon the Laurentic on 24 November. He served with the ship until his death on 25 January 1917. His mother received intimation on 30 January that his body had been recovered and brought ashore at Buncrana, N. Ireland. He was 23 years of age and was buried at Fanar Cemetery, County Donegal. Written by John Rotherham. June 2021
www.ancestry/collated by Linda Taylor
