Ploegsteert Memorial
Ploegsteert Memorial
Ian Murray has submitted the following:-
Michael Lennard was born in 1883 Kelloe, to Irish parents Michael and Bridget. In 1911 he was a boarder with his sister Margaret and her husband Charles Howdon at 25 Church Row, Burnhope. He was at that time a hewer at the coal face at Ritson's Colliery.
He served in the 25th (Tyneside Irish) Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers and died on the 15th April 1918. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. The citation for his DCM reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He set a splendid example of courage and determination during an attack and rendered valuable service by taking command and consolidating the captured ground when his officers and senior NCO’s became casualties.
Awards: Military Medal; Distinguished Conduct Medal; British War Medal; Victory Medal.
The Consett Guardian 07/06/1918 reports:-
Mrs Howden has had news that her brother Corporal M. Lennard of Stanley, late of Burnhope was killed in action 15th April. He formerly worked at West Stanley Colliery.
Michael Lennard/Leonard is remembered at Lanchester on L62.01 and L62.07 and at Stanley on S135.03 and S135.04
