A.C.2. Leonard Henderson Tait, R.A.F., 12th Oct.,1919.

[RFT]

Remembering the third of 47 Squadron's south Russia Casualties.

100 Years ago, 12th October, 1919.

 

Remembering 261765, Aircraftman, Leonard Henderson Tait, R.A.F., age 19 years 21 days.

 

Mr Tait joined 47 "A" Squadron,15th June, 1919 and disembarked Novorossisk, south Russia on the 9th July.  As a Fitter (Aero Engine) he reported for duty at Ekaterinodar on the 11th.  One month later,14th August, the young airman was admitted to hospital for 17 days.  Discharged to duty on the 1st Sept, Mr Tait's immediate movements thereafter are not known but come October was with the squadron near Beketovka.   On Sunday 12th Oct, 1919, for reasons which are not entirely clear, Mr Tait  was accidentally killed when attempting to board a moving lorry!  Shortly after this tragedy Capt. Harry S. Murton & Lieut. Arthur H. Hollis, R.A.F., were appointed to escort the body of the young airman from Beketovka for burial at Ekaterinodar.  Travelling a distance in excess of 525 miles (845 km) they duly arrived at Ekaterinodar, Sat, 18th Oct.  The funeral of Leonard Henderson Tait was conducted by Capt. Leonard H. Slatter, Monday, 19th October, 1919.

 

Leonard Henderson Tait, was the son of William & Eliza Munro Tait of West Saltoun, Pencaitland, East Lothian.

Remembered with Honour, Haidar Pasha Memorial, Turkey and on the gravestone of his parents, Saltoun Parish Church.

 

The British War Medal & Victory Medal, granted for service in Russia, was duly dispatched to his parents 10th April, 1922.

 

Edited 26 October , 2019 by RFT
Revised title.

[helpjpl]

 

Saltoun War Memorial:

https://saltouncommunityassociation.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/saltoun-war-memorial-final.pdf

 

JP

[RFT]

Thank you very much indeed for posting the link to the Saltoun War Memorial. 

 

Rob