Gunner Leonard BARFIELD
Royal Field Artillery 1613247
Leonard Samuel Barfield was born in Woodnewton on 14 October 1897. His parents, James and Fanny lived in Main Street. James’ occupation was listed as a ‘grocer, shop keeper’ in the 1901 census. Leonard was baptised at St Mary’s Church on Sunday, 21st November 1897. By the time he went to serve his country, Leonard was one of five children; 4 girls and 1 boy. Leonard attended Woodnewton Primary School which he started on 20 October 1902. By 1911, Leonard had left school and was at home presumably working in the family business as an apprentice Carpenter.
Leonard signed up with the Royal Field Artillery as a gunner; his number was 1613247. We have no further military details, except that he was back in Woodnewton by the time the 1920 Electoral Roll was compiled in the middle of 1919.
Leonard lived with his siblings until his death on 24th September 1982. The property was called Ivy Cottage and was next door to the family business where he worked until his retirement.
