Archie Gordon Leabon
A Second Hand with H.M.P.M.S. Ascot. Archie died on 10th of November 1918 at the age of 28.
Archie was born at Oulton Broad on 9 April 1890, a son of George and Kezia Leabon. He was baptised at Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, on 18 May 1890. In 1891 his family lived at Whites Cottages, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and by 1911 they had moved to Laurel Villa, Victoria Road, and Archie worked as an engineer.
In 1906 Archie saved a man from drowning at Newlyn Harbour. He was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal (Successful Case Number 34556):
“On the 24th April 1906 George Warren fell into the harbour at Newlyn, there being as strong ebb tide at the time. At great risk, Leabon, fully clothed, and wearing heavy sea boots, jumped in from his boat and succeeded in saving him”.
From: The Evening Star and Herald, Ipswich, 23rd June 1906 page 1
“Through Mr T E Thirtle the honorary Agent at Lowestoft, the Royal Humane Society has forwarded the following awards – to Archie Leabon of Oulton Broad a Bronze Medal and Testimonial on Velum for pluckily jumping into Newlyn Harbour on 24th April and saving a man from drowning”
Archie married Nellie Hickleton in late 1914. They had a home at Langton House, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad, and later Nellie lived at 27 Hawarden Terrace, Oulton Road, Lowestoft.
On 24 April 1914 Archie was awarded his certificate of competency as a Skipper.
Archie joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 28 September 1917. On 24 January 1918 he joined H.M. trawler Mitres; he joined the Ocean Gain on 27 February 1918, and the Research on 1 July 1918. Archie was drafted to H.M. Paddle Mine Sweeper Ascot on 15 October 1918.
The Ascot was the last ship to be sunk before the Armistice. The ship was torpedoed by U-67 off the Farne Isles. Thirty men died in the loss of the ship.
A marginal note in the baptised register of Saint Peter's Church, Carlton Colville, reads: 'Died for England in the Great War.'
Archie Leabon
27 Hawarden Terrace
Oulton Road
Lowestoft
United Kingdom
Add new comment