Private Claude Ewart Leate

Claude Leate was born in Great Torrington in 1896. At the age of 5 the 1901 census has him living at 21 Well Street with his parents, George and Donna, and his five brothers and sisters, Florence, Rose, George, Kathleen and Wallis. His father, George, who was originally from Langtree, has a profession as a stone mason. His sisters, Florence and Rose, are both in the gloving industry; the former being a ‘button hole maker’ and the latter being a silk glove maker. The other three children are of school age or younger.

By the 1911 census Claude is is 15 years of age. The family are living in New Street, but no property number is provided. By this age he has taken up an apprenticeship as a barber’s assistant with local the local barber, Mr Elworthy, whose shop is based in the High Street [1]. His father’s job has now changed to a Sanitary Inspector; indeed, there are a number of references in newspaper records illustrating him reporting on such matters to the Town Council. All three sisters are now in the gloving industry, George (junior) is a boot maker and Walter (changed from the previous “Wallis” listing) is still at school.

In 1915, Claude married his wife, Mary Sophia (sometimes Sophie) Strickland, in Penzance, Cornwall. At the time he would have been in this area as a ‘journeyman’, although there are no further details of his employer. Whilst in Penzance in May 1915, Claude enlisted with the Somerset Light Infantry [2], being posted with the 8th Battalion and being given the service number 29992. His residence was listed as Torrington.

Although an exact date is not known, it’s likely he would have been shipped to France in January 1916. He was wounded in action a year later around January 1917 and received medical care in hospital before returning to the front. During Claude’s time with them, under the 37th Division, the Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry would have seen action at the Battle of Ancre in 1916 and the Battles (phases 1 and 2) of Scarpe in 1917, which were subsidiary engagements in the Battle of Arras.

Private Leate was killed in action on the 10th July 1917. It was reported that he was initially wounded in his dugout but whilst receiving medical attention lost his life following further shelling and gunfire. The report concludes:

“Pte Leate was a kindly disposed young fellow, and his death, at the early age of 22, is deeply regretted by a large circle of friends. The greatest sympathy is felt for his young wife and infant son, and also for his father and mother in their bereavement.”

Claude’s grave can be found at Messines Ridge Brirish Cemetery at West Vlaanderen, Belguim. His grave is inscribed with the words taken from the HW Baker hymn of the same name:

“O God of Love O king of peace, Make wars throughout the wars to cease.”

However, the story of his life and death does not stop there. The original wooden cross was returned to Great Torrington by his brother, who also served in the Great War. It is still be found today in St Michael’s Church in the town.

[1] North Devon Journal. July 19th 1917. ‘Torrington Soldier Killed in Action’.

[2] North Devon Journal. July 19th 1917. ‘Torrington Soldier Killed in Action’.