Frank Charles LeConte

Rank:

Gunner

Regimental number:

307768

Unit at enlistment:

14th Brigade C.F.A., 55th Battery Draft

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

Farringdon Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Commemorated at:

Grace Anglican Church, St. John's Anglican Church

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Greater London

Birth city:

London

Address at enlistment:

52 Colborne Street West, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

52 Colborne Street West, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Painter

Religious denominations:

Church of England

Marital status:

Single

Age at enlistment:

Image gallery:

Letters and documents

BX October 18, 1917

A Good Time in Paris, France – Pte. Frank LeConte, a Brantford Boy, Went to Paree on His Leave

The following letter has been received by Mrs. Hannah Le Conte, 52 Oxford Street, from her son Frank. It is dated from the British Army and Navy Leave Club, Paris, France:

“I have just about an hour to spare in which to write you. I am feeling fine and have had a good time and some dandy feeds since I have been in Paris. My time is up tomorrow night, and then back once more to the hay and oats or horses food as you like to call it. I feel as if I had a different system since getting back to civilization and a few of the comforts. For ten whole days I have had a polish on my shoes. I have had a bath everyday and slept in bed until 11 and 12 and sometimes one o’clock in the morning, and then had breakfast brought up to my room. It cost me the usual zip of half a franc.

“My first day in Paris was spent looking about the city with a guide. I saw the grave of Napoleon, the big tower and the parks. In the outskirts of Paris there is a fine place called the Bois de Boulogne. It is something like Victoria Park in London, only on a larger scale. In this place you get a street car and it goes right through the woods near the river, along the sides of the lakes and back to the place you start from. This all for 6d., too, a distance of five miles. But it requires a lot of money to have a good time in Paris. I have been staying at the Hotel De Strasburg, one of the best hotels in the city, but I am sorry to say I shall have to leave it and go back to the front tomorrow. It seems like a month since I came here, but when I get back, it will be more like a day.

“I have had some great fun skating at a place called the Pte. Mailot. It was on “rollers” and my first attempt was not much of a success, but I do well now.

“I would like my time over again but it is of no use wishing. Maybe in another six months I shall see it all again. Anyone taking a holiday in Paris has a good time. I never enjoyed myself so much as I have here, but it requires money as I said before. But if ever I get a pass again, it will be Paris for me.

“The next time I write you will be from the front.”

BX September 2, 1947

Francis LeConte

Francis C. (Frank) LeConte died suddenly this morning at his residence, 32 Clinch Avenue, in his fifty-first year. He was the eldest son of Hannah LeConte, and George LeConte. Born in London, England, he came to this City 35 years ago and had resided here since. Mr. LeConte served in the First Great War, leaving Brantford with the 21st Battery, C.F.A., and remaining overseas for four years. He also served during the Second Great War, spending seven years overseas. He left Brantford with the First Division (Petrol) Supply), and later transferred to the Veterans’ Guards of Canada, C.M.H.Q., London, England. Besides his mother he is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Donald Monk, Chicago; a brother, Edward, City; five sisters, Mrs. A. Brown and Mrs. A. Singleton, both of Brantford; Mrs. H. Martin, Welland; Mrs. H. Aitchison and Mrs. A. Gooch, both of North Hollywood, Cal. And three grandchildren. He is resting at his residence until Friday, when a private service will take place in the afternoon, followed by a public service in the Reid and Brown Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in the Farringdon Burial Ground.

BX September 6, 1947

Francis LeConte

Funeral services for Francis C. (Frank) LeConte were conducted yesterday afternoon by Rev. T.A. Carmichael, of Balfour Street United Church. A private service was held at his residence, 32 Clinch Avenue, followed by a public service in the Reid and Brown Funeral Chapel. Many relatives and friends from the City and out of town points were present, and floral tributes were profuse. Pallbearers were D. Monkman, J. Lune, A. Mattice, H. Kneller, H. Twidale, and L. Sutton, all comrades of Mr. LeConte in the local branch of the Canadian Legion. At the graveside in Farringdon Burial Ground, Sea Cadet George McGregor sounded “The Last Post.”