While metal detecting in Lincolnshire, I unearthed a silver World War 1 identity bracelet. I set about trying to find out a bit more about the soldier, with a hope of finding surviving descendants. I remarkable story emerged. L.H. Harrison is believed to be Leonard Healey Harrison 1898–1959 BIRTH 10 JUL 1898 • Stretford, Lancashire, England DEATH 05 JAN 1959 • Cheshire, England At the age of 16 he signed up with the Durham Light infantry and in July 1917 was commissioned into the 5th North Staffs regiment. He is thought to have been wounded as from 15th July 1917, was employed in North Staffs labour corps. He had recovered but not fit enough for the front line. On 8th December 1917 he was declared fit for active service. On 13/5/18 he was transferred to the newly formed RAF. On 9/7/1918 he was assigned to 23rd Wing, Royal Air Force. There is a mention of him once again being hospitalised on 5/12/1918. He was demobilised on 21/1/1919 He went on the be a bank cashier at Lloyd’s Bank in Newcastle. On 15th July 1933 the bank was robbed by three men armed with revolvers. He is named as a victim in the robbery but was instrumental in the capture of one of the robbers. He chased and locked him in the bank vault until police arrived. The robbers were sentenced to 10 years incarceration and 15 lashes of the cat. In 1939 he is still listed as a bank clerk, but is also listed as second lieutenant with the 7th Northumberland (Tynemouth) Battalion, Home Guard. On 20th May 1941 he was promoted to lieutenant. Capt Mainwaring from the comedy series “Dads army” comes to mind. It is thought that he served until the conclusion of hostilities. He died in Cheshire in 1959. He’d been married twice but had no children. He did however have a sister. Her daughter had 3 sons in the late 50’s I eventually managed to trace one of these great nephews. I have spoken to him and he described being “bowled over” by the find. He sent me photos of uncle Lenny and his final resting place. The research was exhausting with many blind alleys and dead ends, but eventually, in the centenary years of the end of the war, this “dog tag” is to be returned to the family. It will go on display in a museum in Warrington with the background story of this remarkable man.
Stuart - England, UK
