Lionel Richard Fawkes was born at Hythe, Kent in February 1889, the son of Colonel M. Fawkes. Educated at Northaw Place, Potter's Bar and Haileybury College, Hertford. Lionel emigrated to Canada and found work as a Surveyor.
On the outbreak of hostilities, he enlisted in British Columbia in the 7th Battalion, Canadian Infantry. In this capacity he 'came to England with the second contingent. He went to the front and was wounded' (Reading Mercury, 13 January 1917, refers).
Having returned to the front, he was reported missing, later confirmed killed in action on 3 June 1916 during the Battle of Mount Sorrel. An original informant's letter, dated 27 October 1916 states:
'On June 3rd between Observation Hill and Hill 60, to the right of Sanctuary Wood he went over with Pte. Fawkes (7-Bombing Squad) to make an attack about 7am. Informant was wounded, and on his way to the dressing station he was told that Pte. Fawkes had been killed out in the open. Informant is sorry he can give no more particulars and does not remember who told him. He feels sure it was true.'
77388 Private Lionel Richard Fawkes is commemorated on Panel 28 of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium and the Haileybury College Memorial.
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