Leonard Tregaskis was born in Cardiff in 1883 to George and Julia Anne Tregaskis. He was the fourth of seven children. Leonard came from a fairly affluent family, who had a number of servants throughout his childhood.

Leonard Tregaskis was born in Cardiff in 1883 to George and Julia Anne Tregaskis. He was the fourth of seven children. Leonard came from a fairly affluent family, who had a number of servants throughout his childhood.

Leonard’s youngest brother Hubert would die in June 1893, and in December 1894, Leonard’s mother would die aged 45. His father worked as a biscuit manufacturer. Following the conclusion of his education, Leonard would start working as a clerk in Taff’s Well, just north of Cardiff. His older brother Ernest, and younger brother, Arthur were also working as clerks at the time. 

In 1913, Leonard travelled to the United States, arriving in Vermont. Following a short period in the United States, Leonard would return to Cardiff in November 1914. It is presumably not long after this that Leonard would enlist in the army. He is recorded as having joined the 16th Battalion (Cardiff City) of the Welsh Regiment. He enlisted with his brother Arthur. The 16th Battalion was part of the new army, and had only been formed in November 1914. 

From here, it came under orders of the 130th Brigade in the 43rd Division, moving to Colwyn Bay in December 1914. It would then become the 115th Brigade of the 38th (Welsh) Division in April 1915, moving to Winchester in August 1915. The Battalion would depart for Le Havre in December 1915. Leonard would find himself under direct fire in 1916. 

As part of the 38th Division, he was part of the attack on Mametz Wood on 7 July 1916. In the days preceding the attack, reconnaissance would report that the objective was clear and relatively easy to take by the division. When the attack started however, the Prussian Guards had moved in, making the objective considerably harder. It was during this movement that Leonard would lose his life aged 33. 

Exact accounts vary, but when Leonard and Arthur entered the woods, one of them was shot by a sniper. The other rushed over to provide aid and was also shot. The two brothers died holding on to one another. Leonard was a Second Lieutenant at the time of his death.

In an obituary written by Major Smith, the OC of 16th Battalion, both brothers were praised as “among the noblest and bravest of our valiant officers”. He carried on to say “I always found them true hearted men. The whole Battalion regarded them with deep affection and real pride."

The brothers are buried side by side in Flatiron Copse Military Cemetery, next to Mametz Wood.