Leonard Peacock was born on 10th January 1895 to Joseph and Sarah Peacock in Burslem. Joseph and Sarah were also born in Burslem and Leonard had 10 brothers and sisters.

In 1901, according to the census, the family were living at 51 King Street Burslem and Joseph was a self employed chimney sweep. The family had moved to 78 Newcastle Street Burslem by 1908 as that is the address we have for Leonard on our list of Scouts from that time. The family were still at King Street in 1911, Joseph was still a self employed chimney sweep and was employing Leonard and at least one of his brothers (Harry) as chimney sweeps.

Leonard signed up for the army, less than two weeks after war was declared, on 17th August 1914 in Stoke and joined his regiment the following day at Hounslow. When he signed up he was 5ft 6ins tall and weighed 128lbs. After training was sent to France on 31st May 1915. He served as Private Leonard Peacock, 328, 8th Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). He was wounded on 21st February 1916 and died of his wounds on 25th February 1916 aged 21.

Leonard Peacock was awarded the 1914 – 15 Star, the British War Medal and the Allied Victory Medal. He is buried and commemorated at the Bethune Town Cemetery, France.

Link to his CWGC commemoration.

Leonard Peacock’s Grave at Bethne Town Cemetery ¹