Leonard Greenwood
[1888-1917]



Leonard Greenwood was born in Littleborough, the son of James Greenwood.

He was a flannelette raiser [1901] / a cotton bleacher's labourer [1911].

In 1915, he became a greengrocer, and the Todmorden Advertiser & Hebden Bridge Newsletter [12th November 1915] announced


Mr Robert Sutcliffe, Walsden, having disposed of his greengrocery business, wishes to thank the public for their patronage, and hopes the same support will be given to his successor, Mr Leonard Greenwood
 

In [Q4] 1910, he married Alice Walton in Todmorden.


Alice was born in Walsden, the daughter of William Walton
 

Children:

  1. James [b 1911]
  2. Amy [b 1912]

During World War I, he enlisted at Halifax [October 1916], and he served as a Sergeant with the 2nd/6th Battalion Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment).

They lived at

He died 20th September 1917 (aged 30).

The Todmorden & District News [28th September 1917] reported his death with a photograph


Sergeant Leonard Greenwood, Duke of Wellington's W.R. Regiment, died of wounds, aged 30.

He joined up in October 1916 and was rapidly promoted.

He lived with his wife and two children, at Top o' th' Close, Lanebottom, and carried on business as a greengrocer.

After he enlisted, his wife did her best to keep the business going in his absence, regularly doing her husband's rounds with horse and cart

 

The Todmorden & District News [20th September 1918] published an In Memoriam notice from his widow


In loving memory of my dear husband, Sergt. Leonard Greenwood, who died from wounds in France, Sept. 20th 1917; also of my dear brothers, Frank & Harold, and cousins Arthur and Freddie, who have since the above date been buried somewhere in France.

Alice, 6 Top-o'-th'-Close Road, Lanebottom, Walsden

 

His widow's parents placed an In Memoriam notice in the Todmorden & District News [14th March 1919]


In loving memory of Pte. Harold Walton, 1/6 West Yorks. Regiment; killed in action March 12, 1918, aged 21 years; and his brother Frank, killed October 16, 1917; also our son-in-law, Sergt. Leonard Greenwood; died of wounds, Sept. 20th 1917; and nephews Arthur and Fred. - Ever remembered by all the family.

945 Rochdale Road, Walsden

 

The Todmorden & District News [30th May 1919] published a long letter from his widow, in which she says that


money for memorials and peace celebrations should only be given once a decent pension is given to war widows and their children

Signed (Mrs) Alice Greenwood, 6 Top-o'th'-Close Road, Walsden

 

He was buried at Grevillers British Cemetery, France [Grave Ref VII A 16].

He is remembered in the Todmorden Garden of Remembrance.

In [Q4] 1920, Alice married Percy William Sharratt in Todmorden




© Malcolm Bull 2023
Revised 11:30 / 16th December 2023 / 6015

Page Ref: Y5

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