Frank Lester | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 18 February 1896 |
| Died | 12 October 1918 (aged 22) |
| Buried | Neuvilly Communal Cemetery Extension, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1916–1918 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | South Lancashire Regiment The Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Battles / wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frank LesterVC (18 February 1896 – 12 October 1918) was an English soldier in theBritish Army during theFirst World War, and recipient of theVictoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy awarded toBritish Commonwealth forces.
Lester was born on 18 February 1896 inHuyton, nearLiverpool, to John and Ellen Lester,[1] Prior to becoming a soldier, he was theorganist at theMethodist chapel inIrby.[2] He enlisted in the army in March 1916 and was posted to the 10th Battalion of theSouth Lancashire Regiment. He was soon promoted to the rank of Sergeant Instructor, training recruits atPrees Heath,Shropshire andKinmel Park, North Wales. In June 1917 he was transferred at his own request to theLancashire Fusiliers and in December that year he was drafted to France with the 10th Battalion of that regiment. In going overseas he relinquished the rank of Sergeant Instructor and reverted to Private.[citation needed]
In the winter of 1918, now promoted to corporal, Lester was wounded during the massive German offensive and was sent toRouen for treatment. On leaving hospital he returned to England to await another posting. After some leave he was sent toCromer,Norfolk and in September was sent back to the front in France.[citation needed]
Lester was part of the British offensive which was steadily pushing the German front line back. They encountered stiff resistance, the Germans were determined to prevent a rout of the "impregnable"Hindenburg Line and fighting for survival. It was 12 October 1918, in driving rain and sleet, that the 22 year-oldcorporal in the 10th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers performed a deed for which he was awarded the VC.
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.[3]
He is at buried in row B, grave 15 inNeuvilly Communal Cemetery Extension, France, located three miles north ofLe Cateau.[1] He is also commemorated on the family memorial inthe graveyard of the former Holy Trinity Church,Wirral, and on the War Memorial in the graveyard ofSt Bartholomew's Church, Thurstaston.[citation needed]
His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at theImperial War Museum, London.[citation needed]
