LEONARD FORD

Lance Corporal Leonard Francis Ford was born in Christchurch on 5 April 1886. When he enlisted in January 1917 he was living in Palmerston North, working as a storeman. His next of kin was listed as his mother, living at 11 Tomes Road in Papanui. According to The Press , “He was a prominent footballer, having represented Manawatu, Canterbury and the North Island.” He arrived in France in late October, and joined B Company of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade as a replacement for the dreadful losses at Passchendaele and Polygon Wood. He fought in the Brigade's actions around Le Signy farm in March 1918, and remained there until being temporarily admitted to the No 2 New Zealand Field Ambulance with scabies. On his return to duty, he was promoted to Lance Corporal in early August 1918, suggesting that as an older man (aged 33) and despite the relatively short length of time in active service, he was a good soldier. He was initially reported as wounded and missing on 26 August 1918, but presumably with the later discovery of his body, he was reclassified on 7 September as killed in action. He is buried in the Bapaume Communal Cemetery.

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