Levy, Leon Emanuel 675 (1895 - 1916)

Private, 5th Bn. Cameronians (Scottish Rifles)

Buried at Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez

Commemorated at Hillhead High School

Private Leon Levy's career as a soldier was short, but highly honourable. Only some six months intervened between his enlistment and his death in action, but it was long enough to win for him the confidence of his officers and the admiration of his comrades. His company officer, in sending home the sad tidings of his death, states, "His death has come as a shock to us all. He was such a cheerful soldier
and willing worker that everyone who worked with him admired him. He was liked by all the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of his company."

But though his nominal period of soldiering was thus brief, it may be said of him that he was a soldier from his youth upwards. At School he was a keen Cadet, and when the Scout movement started he was an ardent supporter, and finally rose to be scoutmaster of the pioneer troop, the 1st Glasgow. He was also a lieutenant in the Glasgow Cadet Brigade (Jewish Lads' Corps).

Private Levy may be said to have lived a dedicated life, a life dedicated to the service of youth. His was one of those transparent, unselfish natures, brimming over with ardour and zeal, that unfailingly attract the young of all ages. He was seldom to be seen in the streets without a crowd of youngsters round him, hanging to him as to an elder brother. Their grief at his passing was as touching as it was sincere, and, though dead, he will yet speak in and through the hearts and lives of his beloved boys.

He was only twenty one years of age, but in these days we must measure life by service and not by years.