Remembering a Huyton hero

Frank Lester was born on 18 February 1896 in Huyton, to John and Ellen Lester, he enlisted in the army in March 1916 and was posted to the 10th Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment.

He was soon promoted to the rank of Sergeant Instructor, training recruits at Prees Heath, Shropshire and Kinmel Park, North Wales.

In June 1917 he was transferred at his own request to the Lancashire Fusiliers and in December that year he was drafted to France with the 10th Battalion of that regiment.

In going overseas Frank relinquished the rank of Sergeant Instructor and reverted back to Private.

In the winter of 1918, now promoted to corporal, he was wounded during the massive German offensive and was sent to Rouen for treatment. On leaving hospital he returned to England to await another posting.

After some leave he was sent to Cromer, Norfolk and in September was sent back to the front in France.

Lester was part of the British offensive which was steadily pushing the German front line back. They encountered stiff resistance, the Germans were determined to prevent a rout of the “impregnable” Hindenburg Line and fighting for survival.

It was 12 October 1918, in driving rain and sleet, that the 22-years-old corporal in the 10th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers performed a deed for which he was awarded the VC.

Frank Lester received his for most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice during the clearing of the village of Neuvilly, on 12 October 1918, when, with a party of about seven men under an officer, he was the first to enter a house from the back door, and shot two Germans as they attempted to get out by the front door.

A minute later a fall of masonry blocked the door by which the party had entered. The only exit into the street was under fire at point-blank range. The street was also swept by fire of machine guns at close range.

Observing that an enemy sniper was causing heavy casualties to a party in a house across the street, Pte Lester exclaimed: “I’ll settle him” and, dashing out into the street, shot the sniper at close quarters, falling mortally wounded at the same instant.

This gallant man well knew it was certain death to go into the street, and the party opposite was faced with the alternative of crossing the fire-swept street or staying where it was and being shot one by one.

To save their lives he sacrificed his own.

Frank Lester is buried at Neuvilly Communal Cemetery, Neuvilly, France