Lance Corporal Patrick Leonard (6977063) served in 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers during the Second World War. He was the son of James Leonard and Sarah "Sally" Leonard of Newtownkennedy, Strabane, Co. Tyrone.
In August 1940, various newspapers in Northern Ireland carried the news that Lance Corporal Leonard was a Prisoner of War. At the time, he had 7 years’ service with the Royal Irish Fusiliers. By November 1940, it became clear, the Strabane soldier was not a Prisoner of War and authorities declared him missing. News of his death only came in June 1942.
Patrick died on 24th May 1940 aged 24 years old. At the time, 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers made up part of the BEF rear-guard during the retreat to Dunkirk. The Battalion had come under heavy fire as they fell back from the River Dendre to the La Bassée Canal.
Patrick Leonard’s grave is in Grave 3A of Annezin Communal Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France. His headstone bears the inscription:
A dear son and brother. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on him. May he rest in peace.