61596 A/Corporal Harry Leathley.

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38th Company, Machine Gun Corps, formerley 6th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the London Gazette of 29 August 1917.

At the outbreak of war, Leathley was living at Brierfield, Lancashire.

The citation for his Distinguished Conduct Medal reads, '"For marked gallantry in action. When his section had lost six men and an officer and had two guns buried he carried his gun up to the front line and worked it with great ability although wounded".

The Burnley Express of 4 August 1916 and the Burnley News of 5 August 1916 both reported, BRIEFIELD SOLDIER. RECOMMENDED FOR THE D.C.M. For distinguished service on th battlefield, Private Harry Leathley, 6th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, Machine Gun Section, Indian Expeditionary Force, has been recommended by his commanding officer for the award of the D.C.M. The feat performed was for bringing in wounded comrades performed under heavy shell fire at considerable risk to his own life, amongst those rescued was Private John Rigby of Nelson.

The brave young soldier who is only 21 years of age, is a well known boxer in the Nelson District, having won numerous prizes at the Carr Road Boxing Room. He is also the champion of his regiment at lightweight.

Private Leathley answered the call of his country shortly after the outbreak of war, and was soon sent to the Dardanelles, where he was wounded in the head. After recovery he was sent to Egypt, and shortly afterwards was draughted out again. Previous to joining the colours he was employed as a chainer and splitter at Meadow Bank Mill, Brierfield, and resided with his father at 17, Junction Street, Brierfield. In a letter home he stated 'I am lucky to come through. The heat is very intense during the day'.

A further report appeared in the Burnley Express of 23 August 1919 after medals were presented at Brierfield...In regard to Corporal Leathley, Machine Gun Corps, Councillor Greenwood said he had resided in Brierfield for 23 years. He enlisted on August 10th, 1914, and after his training went to the Dardanelles, fighting there up to the evacuation. He was wounded there in 1915. Afterwards he went with the forces to relieve General Townsend, fighting all the way to Bagdad, being at the capture of that famous place. He then went forward a further 150 miles to Kir Kut, which was the most advanced station our forces reached. He had been recommended five times for the D.C.M., but on previous ocassions the recommendations were lost. Corporal Leathley had always been cheerful and courageous in leading his men while under hot fire. He hoped Corporal Leathley would have pleasure leading a long life. Corporal Leathley replied, 'I only did my duty, and will always be ready to do it again'.

Harry Leathley died at 62, Napier Street, Nelson, Lancashire on the 23 March 1975.