Sapper Alfred Leather born 16th October 1893 baptized 5th November 1893. St Peters Church Woolton. Father Richard a stonemason and mother Annie.

Sapper Alfred Leather in 1911 Alfred age 17 and employed as a Domestic Gardener living with Father Richard and Mother Ann and brothers Richard age 10? and Harold age 12 living at 20 Castle St Woolton.

According to Alfred’s service records parents living at 50 Vale Road Woolton with brother Richard , Harold serving in 2 South Lancs, Alfred’s service record also mentions a sister Florence May Leather. The Rev George John Howson ..The Rector of Woolton (St Peter’s)1912-1928 signed the Statement Form of Names and addresses.

According to Alfred’s service record Enlisted in the 3rd Kings Liverpool Regiment serial number 85765. attested 24th November 1915, To Army Reserve 24th November 1915. Mobilized and Posted 1st September 1917. On 26th October 1917 Alfred Transferred to the Railway Operating Division new serial number 323559. Alfred age 22 parents living at 50 Vale Road Woolton with brother Richard , Harold serving in 2nd South Lancs. Also a sister Florence May Leather is mentioned

Alfred Leather was on board the HMS Osmanieh which was under the command of Lieutenant  Commander   David Richard Mason. HMS Osmanieh on the 31st December 1917  approaching Alexandria before reaching the harbour entrance  HMS Osmanieh stuck a mine in a minefield which had been sewn by German Submarine UC 34 under the command of Oberleutnant Zur See Hurst Obermuller. The ship went down in 5 -7 minutes, 199 people were killed. Commander Mason along with 2 ship officers, 21 crew members, an officer of the Royal Navy, with 166 other ranks. (Alfred was 1 of the 166) including 8 nurses of Queens Alexandra’s Imperial Military      Nursing Service. Alfred died (drowned) whilst on board HMS Osmanieh.

The previous day HT ARAGON AND HMS Attack were torpedoed by submarine U34

Alfred soldiers effects to father Richard Leather and Alfred’s pension to mother Mrs. Annie Leather living at 50 Vale Road Woolton.

Sapper Alfred Leather aged 24 serial number 323559, served in 98th light Rly .Train Crew, Royal Engineers.Died on 31st December 1917

Sapper Alfred Leather is Remembered with Honour Chatby Memorial Alexandria Egypt.

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