Frank Lester (VC) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frank Lester
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| Born | 18 February 1896 Huyton, Liverpool, England |
| Died | 12 October 1918 (aged 22) Neuvilly, France |
| Buried |
Neuvilly Communal Cemetery Extension, France
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1916–1918 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | South Lancashire Regiment The Lancashire Fusiliers |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Frank Lester was a very brave English soldier. He fought in the First World War. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the British Commonwealth. This special medal is given to soldiers who show amazing courage when facing the enemy. Frank Lester was born on February 18, 1896, and sadly died on October 12, 1918, when he was only 22 years old.
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Frank Lester's Early Life and Army Service
Frank Lester was born in Huyton, a town near Liverpool, England. His parents were John and Ellen Lester. Before he joined the army, he was an organist at a church in Irby.
In March 1916, Frank decided to join the army. He was first sent to the 10th Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment. He quickly became a Sergeant Instructor. This meant he helped train new soldiers in places like Prees Heath and Kinmel Park.
In June 1917, Frank asked to be moved to a different group, the Lancashire Fusiliers. By December of that year, he was sent to France to fight. When he went overseas, he changed his rank back to Private.
Fighting in France
In 1918, Frank was promoted to Corporal. He was wounded during a big German attack and had to go to a hospital in Rouen, France. After getting better, he returned to England for a short break. Then, he was sent back to the front lines in France in September.
The British army was pushing the German soldiers back. The Germans were fighting very hard to protect their strong defense line, called the Hindenburg Line.
His Incredible Bravery and the Victoria Cross
On October 12, 1918, it was raining and sleeting. Corporal Frank Lester, who was 22 years old, showed incredible bravery. This happened in a village called Neuvilly. For his actions that day, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Here is what the official report said about his bravery:
For most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice during the clearing of the village of Neuvilly, on 12th 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 2 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 knew it was extremely dangerous to go into the street. But he saw that an enemy sniper was hurting his fellow soldiers across the street. He bravely ran out and stopped the sniper, saving his friends. Sadly, he was badly wounded at that moment and died. He gave his life to save others.
Remembering Frank Lester
Frank Lester is buried in the Neuvilly Communal Cemetery Extension in France. This cemetery is about three miles north of Le Cateau.
His name is also on family memorials. You can find them at the graveyard of the former Holy Trinity Church in Wirral, and at the War Memorial in the graveyard of St Bartholomew's Church, Thurstaston.
His Victoria Cross medal is on display. You can see it at the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum in London.
