Gerald Oscar Lees

Tags

Canada, Gerald Lees, Royal Highlanders, Royal School, South Staffordshire Golf Club, St Michael and All Angels Church, Tettenhall

Gerald Lees was born in Wolverhampton in 1877, the youngest son of William and Rosa Lees of Old Ivy House, Tettenhall. His father, William, was for many years Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal Orphanage, a member of the Wolverhampton School Board, and a Justice of the Peace for Wolverhampton and for Staffordshire. His son, Gerald, became a prominent player in the South Staffordshire Golf Club. In about 1905 he emigrated to Canada, although he continued his golf and was the runner-up in the Canadian Championship three times.

On the outbreak of war, he enlisted with the 13th Battalion Royal Highlanders of Canada and returned to England, paying several visits to Wolverhampton whilst in training. He was killed in action at Langemarck, near Ypres on 25 April 1915. There is an article about him (dated 27 April 1915) in the scrapbook of First World War cuttings held at Wolverhampton City Archives. Lees is also listed amongst the Local Officers who have been killed, which appeared in the Express & Star on 22 September 1916. He is commemorated at the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, as well as on the war memorial of St Michael and All Angels Church, Tettenhall.