903 BB Squadron, No.1 Balloon Centre
Born: 1912. Died accidentally: 22nd May 1939, aged 26
Story
Leonard was the son of Robert Byers (1878-1918) who was killed in Germany at the end of the First World War, and Gertrude Clayton (1886-1975). His parents married in Kippax on 21st July 1906, and lived at Pease Fold, just off the High Street.
In readiness for an impending war against Germany, around 33,000 men and women trained at the No.1 Balloon Training Unit at Cardington, Bedfordshire. The role of the Balloon Squadron was to defend major cities and military centres which the Germans would likely target. Balloons would be raised around such targets to force German Bombers higher, making accurate targeting much more difficult (pictured below). Consequently, the Germans would target the Balloon Squadron, killing 3 people out of every 100 who served.
Leonard had just married Madge Smith in Kippax, and on 18th May 1939, he was standing on the platform of a rear trailer driven by Thomas Balch in his squadron, in Luton, when Balch swerved causing Leonard to fall off the trailer. The Leighton Ambulance was called, and he was taken to Luton & Dunstable hospital, but died 4 days later. Thus, Kippax suffered its first casualty of War three months before its outbreak. Leonard Byers was buried in Kippax on 26th May 1939. His widow Madge received effects of £131 14s 9d.
On 25th May 1939, the inquest into Leonard’s death was held, and returned the following verdict:
Kippax Roll of Honour 