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Pte. Frank Lester VC
British Army 10th Btn. Lancashire Fusiliers
from:Irby, Birkenhead
(d.12th October 1918)
Frank Lester was killed in action 12th October 1918 aged 22, he was the son of John and Ellen Lester, of Miller's Hay, Irby, Birkenhead. Born at Huyton, Liverpool
An extract from The London Gazette, No. 31067, dated 13th Dec., 1918, records the following:- "For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice during the clearing of the village of Neuvilly, on 12th October, 1918, when, with a party of about seven men under an officer, he was the first to enter a house from the back door, and shot 2 Germans as they attempted to get out by the front door. A minute later a fall of masonry blocked the door by which the party had entered. The only exit into the street was under fire at point-blank range. The street was also swept by fire of machine guns at close range. Observing that an enemy sniper was causing heavy casualties to a party in a house across the street, Pte. Lester exclaimed, " I'll settle him," and, dashing out into the street, shot the sniper at close quarters, falling mortally wounded at the same instant. This gallant man well knew it was certain death to go into the street, and the party opposite was faced with the alternative of crossing the fire-swept street or staying where it was and being shot one by one. To save their lives he sacrificed his own."
