Leon's parents were
Francis St. Patrick Vernon de Landre-Grogan and
Bertha Elizabeth Dixon. They were married on 14 March 1883 at St. Pauls Parish
Church, Dublin.
Leon was born in Dublin on 14 December 1883. He had an older brother,
George William born 9 November 1880 in Dover.
The birth certificate for George had no mention of a father, so he was
given the surname of his mother, which was Dixon.
Leon also had two sisters,
Bertha Frances Lilian
born 31 October 1885 at Hougham, Dover, and
Lena Mary
born 27 August 1887 at Nanpean, St Stephens, Cornwall.
Bertha went on to marry James Batson Stephens MD in 15 April 1914 at
Rangoon, Burma. Lena went on to marry John Wilson on 5 January 1907 in
Haileybury, Ontario, Canada.
At twenty, Leon married
Elizabeth Ellinor Robeson on 19 December 1903 at the parish church, Romford, Essex. In June 1904 they had their first child,
Dennis Herbert, at Islington, followed by
Kathleen Lilian in September 1905 at Westham,
Francis Victor in September 1907 at Romford,
Ellinor Mary in December 1909 at Romford,
Patrick Leon in June 1912 at Romford,
Ernest Frederick on 19 January 1914 at Romford and
Lena on 28 March 1915 at Romford.
In 1915 there was an outbreak of Diphtheria. On 8 October 1915
Patrick died aged three, and on the same day Dennis died aged eleven. Two
days later Ellinor died aged six. Six days later Francis died
aged eight and three days later Kathleen died aged ten.
It is believed at some point Ernest and Lena were sent off elsewhere, so they
survived.
Leon joined the army, and his attestation papers were signed on twelfth of
December 1915. He was mobilised on 2 October 1916.
Prior to this he was living at 3 Laurie Square, Romford, working as a Stock
Exchange accountant.
In September 1917 Leon and Elizabeth had another child,
Mollie Patricia at Romford, Essex.
George, Ernest, Lena and Molly each grew up to marry and have children.
Leon was awarded the Military Cross and the citation was
"On the night of September 22/23rd 1918, near Gaurelle (north of Arras)
for conspicuous gallantry and good leadership during a successful minor
operation. He led his platoon against an enemy trench and successfully
cleared it and carried out consolidation. The following night the enemy
counter-attacked in force but were driven off with loss. The success of
the operation was greatly due to his able leadership and fine example to
his men".
On 13 October 1918 Leon was killed in action aged 34. Leon's son Ernest,
aged 4, was presented with the MC on behalf of his father.
After the death of Leon, his wife Elizabeth moved from Laurie Square,
Romford to Midhurst, Northview Drive, Westcliff on Sea.
In 1920, Elizabeth married
William (Bill) Dines. By
that time she was living at 172 Elmsleigh Drive Leigh on Sea. When
visitors came to the house, Bill would refer to the picture on the wall
of Leon in a deck chair, saying “that's my wife's husband".
Elizabeth died in 1953 and Bill died in 1955.
