We’ve just published a biography of another of our members who fought in the Great War.
Bro Captain Leonard Usher fought with the Canadian Expeditionary Force having enlisted in Toronto on 4th December 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the war. He was assigned as a Private, regimental number 72 with the 2nd Divisional Cyclists Corps. While in France a high explosive shell fell about 30 feet away, blowing him through the door of a house and up against the opposite wall. Fortunately, he survived the blast but he remained deaf for four days and his hearing remained impaired from then on.
He was initiated into the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry in 1917 but due to his recurrent ear problems was invalided to Canada for further treatment. While there he was passed to the Fellowcraft degree at the Bow River Lodge No 1 in 1921. Formed on 28th January 1884, under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Alberta, Bow River Lodge No.1 AF&AM meets in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Alberta. He was raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason a year later on his return to England.
It was while researching another member of our Lodge who fought in the Great War that we made contact with Bro Leonard’s son Peter who, like his father, is also a Freemason and prominent resident of Chester-Le-Street. He has kindly filled in the gaps in his father’s life and you can read his biography here.
Wbro Usher commented:
“Thank you for your wonderful account of my Father’s history and at some time in the future I would like to visit your Lodge and thank you publically for your kindly interest in my father’s history and his association with your Lodge.”
We’re looking forward to meeting Wbro Peter and welcoming him when he visits Lodge Temperance 2557.
