Wesley Methodist Church, Frome is planning a special section of their 10th February service to the memory of Sergeant Ernest John Leach who survived the Great War but then fell victim to the Spanish flu pandemic on 9th February 1919 whilst on board ship on his way home to his family at 24 Alexander Road, Frome.
The pandemic which swept the world in 1918-1919 is estimated to have killed over 50 million, greater than the number killed in the Great War. The common cause of death for this unknown disease which had no treatment, was recorded as double pneumonia or cerebral meningitis. Inuit in norther Canada succumbed as did the NZ mothers and it is suspected the famous Canadian physician and soldier John McCrae who wrote the immortal poem “In Flanders Fields” died of the virus on 28th January 1918.
Sgt Ernest Leach’s nephew, John Leach, now in his 80s recalls the family story, given by his own father Harry. Harry had served in the same regiment as his brother Ernest, The Royal Army Medical Corps. Both were attached to the ambulance train section. Harry returned safely to Frome, Ernest did not. Having seen action in France and Italy, Sgt Ernest Leach was on his way home aboard ship when he fell ill. He was put ashore in France. Telegrams home detail his grave condition. The following day the telegram reads ‘Sgt Ernest Leach died of double pneumonia.’ He is buried at St. Germaine-au-Mont D’or Communal Cemetery, Rhone, France. John and his family have never visited the cemetery but have a precious photo of his father Harry paying respects to the grave in 1920. A postcard written by Harry to his mother is heart rending in expression.
Before the Great War, Ernest Leach had been an apprentice at Wickendens’ confectioners in the Market Place, Harry took his indentures with JW Singers. Ernest never married, Harry did and now John Leach, Harry’s son wishes for the memory of his uncle to be commemorated, along with the other 12 names on the memorial tablet unveiled at a service held at Wesley Church on 30th May 1920. Of the 12 names commemorated, a mystery befalls the only woman’s name, “Lottie E. Giddings.” Are there any family members still in Frome, or anyone who knows this name?
Please do come to the family service at Wesley Church on Sunday 10th February at 10.30am, which will also include a dedication to the lay pastoral workers. All will be welcome
Report by Jane Norris, RBL Frome.
Above: Sgt Ernest Leach’s brother Harry visiting his grave
