Early Life :

Service Life:

Campaigns:

• The Second Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902, South Africa.
• The First World War 1914-1918, World-wide.
• The Second World War 1939-1945, World-wide.

Although many perished in times of national conflict and in the service of their country, many more survived including those interned as Prisoners of War. Stories of those who did survive are included as part of this site, especially those with high gallantry awards, those included against an external rolls of honour and those who had a distinguished career in wartime and military leaderhip.

Detail :

During the Boer War, Amery was a correspondent. In 1901 he wrote an article attacking a British Commander which led to the commander being relieved of his command. The only correspondent to actually visit Boer forces he was nearly captured along with Winston Churchill.

After the Boer War he wrote articles highlighting the deficiencies of the British military. He would also write articles attacking Free Trade.

Twice Amery would be offered the position of editor for two prominent London newspapers. He would decline both so that he could focus on politics. After a failed bid to gain a seat in the House of Commons in 1908 (he lost by 8 votes), he won an election in 1911 Member of Parliament.

During World War I, Amery's knowledge of Hungarian (he was part Hungarian on his Mother's side) led to his employment as an intelligence officer in the Balkans Campaign. Prior to this he disembarked in France 6th October, 1914. For his service in the Great War he was awarded the 1914 Star.

The Navy Lists show that he acted as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of the Admiralty 1921, and First Lord of the Admiralty by 1923.

Along with Churchill and others in England between World War I and World War II, Amery advocated for better support of the British military. He was a driving force behind the creation of the Army League, an organization that fought to keep the issues of British military before the people. In the lead up to World War II, Amery was a vocal critic of Neville Chamberlain's appeasement strategy with facist Italy and Nazi Germany.

After the start of World War II, Amery had two moments of drama in the House of Commons. When Chamberlin spoke before the House of Commons and stated that he would not declare war on Germany even if it had invaded Poland, a senior member of the Labour Party stood and stated he was going to speak for the party, Amery called out "Speak for England!" The statement more directed at Chamberlin for being out of touch with the will of the British people. The second incident was a speech given by Amery about the devastating naval loses in the North Atlantic. At the end of the speech, directing his comments again at Chamberlin, Amery quoted Oliver Cromwell: "You have sat too long here for any good you have been doing. Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go!"

Among other accomplishments in his life Amery was a member of the Order of Companions of Honour. It is an award given to a select few for outstanding achievements in arts, literature, music, science, politics, industry and religion.

Amery passed away on 16th September, 1955 in Westminster, London aged 81 years and his ashes were buried in St John's churchyard at which church he is commemorated by a plaque which reads:

"In the graveyard of this church where his forbears worshipped through many generations lie the ashes of LEOPOLD STENNET AMERY Privy Councillor - Companion of Honour - Fellow of All Souls Born in India 1873 - Died in London 1955 As Times Correspondent, Author, Member of Parliament for Birmingham, First Lord of the Admiralty, Secretary-of-State for Dominions and Colonies and Colonies, Secretary-of-State for India and Burma, he devoted his life in Peace & War to the service of the British Commonwealth and Empire On his death, Sir Winston Churchill said: "I mourn the loss of my friend Leo Amery. Statesman and man of letters, he was above all a great patriot." This tablet was erected by his wife and surviving son"

Probate AMERY Leopold Charles Maurice Stennett of 112 Eaton-square London S.W.1 died 16 September 1955 Probate London 7 November to Ranald Macdonald solicitor. Effects £8820 8s. 9d.

Masonic :

Leo was a 38 year old Member of Parliament when he was initiated into Canada Lodge, London in 1912.

Source :

The project globally acknowledges the following as sources of information for research across the whole database:

• The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• The (UK) National Archives
• Ancestry.co.uk - Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History online
• ugle.org.uk - The records of the United Grand Lodge of England including the Library and Museum of Freemasonry

Additional Source:

• Founder Researchers : Paul Masters & Mike McCarthy
• Researcher : Bruce Littley