Harold's Story.
20-year-old Harold died in an accident, whilst at a military camp at Colchester, Essex.
SOLDIER KILLED While engaged unloading trucks at his camp in this country, Harold Lea, aged 20, a soldier of an infantry unit, son of Mr and Mrs. A. Lea, of 95a Union-Street, Sandbach, was crushed between two wagons, receiving severe injuries from which he died.
Newspaper: Staffordshire Sentinel Published: 13th Oct 1942
What do we know about Harold?
Harold Lea was born in the autumn of 1922, the youngest child of Arthur Lea (1890 - 1966) and Martha Davies (1891 - 1975). Harold was baptised on 3rd December 1922, at St Mary's Church in Sandbach. He was brother to Arthur, Clifford, William and Edith Mary. The family lived at 95a Union Street, Sandbach. This house was later demolished and lies beneath the site of B&M.
Union Street, in Edwardian times
Brook Silk Mill, Sandbach
After leaving school, Harold worked at the Brook Silk Mill in Sandbach. This was just south-east of where the Waitrose roundabout is now located, at the end of Brookhouse Road. The mill was owned by Heath Mill of Macclesfield, and also known as Heath Mill..
.jpg)
Brook / Heath Silk Mill, Sandbach
Heath Mill, Sandbach in 1956
Somerset Light Infantry
In early 1942, aged 19, Harold joined the 5th Btn of the Somerset Light Infantry, and was sent to Colchester, in Essex. On 11th October 1942, whilst unloading trucks at his camp, Harold was crushed between two wagons, receiving severe injuries from which he later died.
Heath Mill, Sandbach in 1956
Somerset Light Infantry
In early 1942, aged 19, Harold joined the 5th Btn of the Somerset Light Infantry, and was sent to Colchester, in Essex. On 11th October 1942, whilst unloading trucks at his camp, Harold was crushed between two wagons, receiving severe injuries from which he later died.
He was buried on 16th October in Sandbach Cemetery, where he now rests with his parents Arthur and Martha. His original headstone was a cross.
Researched by Shena Lewington (September 2025)