War Memorial
Herbert Upton was born at Leigh and baptised at St Mary's church on 3rd February 1895. His parents were Stephen and Anna Upton, and the family made their home at Garden Cottages in the village.
When war came, Herbert joined up at Tonbridge in Kent and became a Private, number 10410, in the 1st Battalion of the Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). He was still only about 20 years old when he lost his life on 18th April 1915, in the early weeks of the Second Battle of Ypres. It was during this battle that the Germans first used poison gas on either side, releasing it north of Ypres and forcing the Allies to pull back. The line of defence was shortened as a result, and Hill 60, where Herbert fell, came under German attack.
Because his body was never recovered for burial, Herbert is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres in Belgium, as well as on the Leigh War Memorial back home.