Leonard Yalden MM. Died 1 July 1916.
Leonard’s father was a professional soldier and as a result Leonard was born in Gibraltar (his sister S. Africa and his brother Dublin). By 1911 the family had settled in Oak Lodge, Matthews Green, Wokingham. Leonard was a Doctor’s messenger. He was killed on the notorious first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1st, 1916. His military records show he was in the Royal Artillery and later the South Wales Borderers. He had been awarded the Military Medal.
Click to increase. Photograph by S Huxford 2011
August 1917, Reading Berks. Leonard Yalden, posthumous medal presentation
Commonwealth War Grave Information:
Name: YALDEN , L Rank: Private 24848 Death: 01/07/1916 Regiment: South Wales Borderers Buried: Sp. Mem. F. 7. Y RAVINE CEMETERY, BEAUMONT-HAMEL
As always, the more we find out about any member of Wokingham’s Fallen, the more we want to know! How did Leonard win his Military Medal ? Where is the medal now? As Leonard had brothers, is the Yalden name still in the area and are they related? How good it would be to receive some contact from one of Leonard’s descendants. I hope we find out more about this 23 year old man who acted with such great courage.