Brittain's War
Leonard Brittain Home Guard
Defence Medal. Imperial Service Medal.
The Man Little detail is known about Leonard Brittain, except that he was born circa 1892, which would have made him 22 at the outbreak of World War 1 although it is not known if he served in this conflict. He worked for the Post Office and before and during World War 2 serving in the Home Guard from 21st August 1940 until 31st December 1944, for which he was awarded the Defence Medal. In January 1947 he was awarded a Civil Service Commission and a certificate issued under clause 10 (D) of the general regulations as a Skilled Workman. Leonard retired from the Post Office aged 60 in 1952 as a Technician, Class 1 in Nottingham, being awarded the Imperial service Medal in September the same year. Leonard was married and had one son Godfrey William Brittain.
This group of medals is one I have not been able to find any detail on. They are in effect 'work in progress' as one day something additional may well be uncovered. Please feel free to contact me should you know of, or have any information on this man.
This group of medals is one I have not been able to find any detail on. They are in effect 'work in progress' as one day something additional may well be uncovered. Please feel free to contact me should you know of, or have any information on this man.
Leonard Brittain's Home Guard Certificate
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Leonard Brittain's award letter for the Imperial Service Medal
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The Son Godfrey William Brittain was born on 14th February 1928, son of Leonard Brittain. On 19th November 1945 aged 17 he was called up under the National service Act and enlisted into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, as an Aircraftsman 1st Class with service number 2272532. He was described as being 5’.10 ½“ tall and his category was Batman. Godfrey left the RAF on 11th February 1948 when his commanding Officer commented “This airman’s work has always given satisfaction, he has shown himself capable of carrying out responsible duties under very difficult circumstances and should prove a success in his civil employment as a shoe maker for which he is recommened”. His character was given as Very Good. He was de-mobbed under class A at number 101 dispersal centre at RAF Kirkham near Preston. In later life Godfrey lived at 40 Sun Street in Derby.
Godfrey William Brittain (right)
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The Story The pair of medals awarded to Leonard Brittain were acquired from E-Bay in January 2012. They were of interest as his Imperial Service Medal and Home Guard Service Certificates came with the group together with paperwork relating to his son’s service in the Royal Air Force. No detail could be found on ancresty.UK, but some limited information was taken from the London Gazette piecing together a small part of Leonard’s life story and that of his son.
Photograph of an unknown man contained within the lot,
but it is possibly Leonard Brittain.
Medal Details:
- Defence Medal: Unnamed as issued.
- Imperial Service Medal: LEONARD BRITTAIN
This page last updated 3 Feb 14
