David John Eason GCM, researching Leamington Spa 1914-1918 Roll of Honour is trying to trace any descendants of Private Reginald De Lattre who might live in the area.

Born in Sutton Coalfield, Reginald was the son of accountant Frank Henry and Jane De Lattre, who were living at Harewood Avenue in Bournemouth, at the time of his death.

Reginald was educated at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and Lawrence’s College in Birmingham, before he joined Lloyds Bank Leamington Spa branch as a clerk in 1914.

A year later he enlisted with the new 26th Battalion ( Bankers ) Royal Fusiliers ( City of London ) Regiment, composed predominately of former clerks and accountants.

Reginald served with the Expeditionary Force in France and Flanders and was killed in action on the Somme in October 1916, along with six officers and 42 other ranks from the Battalion. He was only 19.

Amongst the many letters his parents received was one from his officer; “We all thought a good deal of your lad, who was one of the best, and his Commanding Officer had recommended him for a commission”.

He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Reginald is commemorated on Thiepval Memorial in France, as well as on Lloyds Bank War Memorial at their Retail Banking Head Office in Bristol, and in the Lloyds Bank War Memorial Book at their Head Office in Gresham Street, London.

David would also like confirmation if Reginald was commemorated locally. Contact him at husrollho@yahoo.co.uk or 07896 201176 or Echoes.