26543 Pte 8th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
Frederick Leigh was born in April 1883 in Cossington, near Bridgwater. He was the son of Charles Leigh and Emma Harrington. By 1891 the family had moved to 67 Polden Street, Bridgwater, where Frederick had an older and younger sister. Charles worked as a gardener. By 1901 they had again moved, this time to 89 Friarn Street. Frederick, aged 17, had found work as a postman. By 1911 Frederick had married Nellie Marion, they had set up home in 54 Halesleigh Road and they supported Frederick's widowed mother and sister.
Sometime during the war Frederick enlisted in Bridgwater to serve in the Somerset Light Infantry. He was killed on 10 April 1917. He was aged just 32 and within two months his mother also died. His body has been subsequently lost, but his name is recorded on bay 4 of the Arras Memorial in the Pas de Calais. His name was added to his father's memorial in the Wembdon Road Cemetery, number 222. Its inscription reads: 'In Loving Memory of Charles Leigh died October 9th 1903 aged 68 years. Also of Emma Leigh the beloved wife of the above died June 4th 1917 aged 78 years. In the Glory of God. Also of Frederick W. Leigh killed in action in France April 10th 1917 aged 32 years. Also of Annie Kate Leigh died February 20th 1946 aged 79 years. I will lay down in peace and take my rest'.
