Leslie Nathaniel Hulme

A Private with the 7th Battalion, Leslie died on 30th of November 1917 at the age of 23. 

Leslie was born at Kirkley in 1894, a son of Harry and Richanda Hulme. In 1901 his family lived at Victoria House, Victoria Road, Carlton Colville. By 1911 Leslie’s father had died and his family lived at Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Later his mother’s address was 1 Sunnyside Cottages, Victoria Road, Oulton Broad. Leslie has not been traced in the 1911 Census. 

Leslie volunteered and enlisted in the Army at Lowestoft. He joined the 6th (Cyclist) Battalion Suffolk Regiment, service number 2055. Later he was renumbered 43068 and posted to the 7th Battalion in France.  

On 20 November 1917 the 7th Battalion were involved in an attack on the Hindenburg Line, part of the Battle of Cambrai. On 30 November the battalion were in the reserve at Quarry. A German counter-attack broke through the divisional right and meant they would attack the rear. On that day the battalion’s headquarters and A Company were surrounded and captured with 13 officers and 219 men reported missing.  

Leslie was reported missing on 30 November. By October 1918 it was concluded that he had been killed in action on or since 30 November 1917.