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Leonard Messel OBE
Born:
1872
Died:
1953
Basic Information
Unique reference:
MES1962
Gender:
Male
Birth
Date of birth:
1872
Place of birth:
Brixton, London
Death
Date of death:
1953
Place of death:
Sussex
Portrait of Leonard (National Trust, Nymans)
Places
Addresses
Nymans Estate East Sussex (1915)
Holmstead Manor Staplefield, Sussex (1947)
Schools
Name:
Eton College
Name:
Oxford University
Family
Spouse
Other surname / Maiden name:
Sambourne
Children
Linley Messel (male)
Anne Messel (female)
Oliver Messel (male)
Siblings
Ottilie Messel (female)
Ruth Messel (female)
Harold Messel (male)
Hilda Messel (female)
Muriel Messel (female)
Parents
Father: Ludwig Messel (male)
Mother: Annie Cussans (female)
Homefront
Occupation:
Training soldiers from the 4th reserve Battalion, ‘The Buffs’ (Kent)
What was the impact of this:
Leonard had been a member of Volunteer movement (or Territorial Force) since c.1892. In 1912, he was given the grade Captain and Hon Major Leonard C R Messel 4th Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment, Territorial Force (see London Gazette 15 March 1912)
During WW1, Leonard was debarred from fighting overseas due to his German origin. Instead, he trained soldiers from the 4th reserve Battalion, ‘The Buffs’ (Kent), for which he was awarded an OBE. Leonard became a Lieutenant-Colonel but he was known as ‘Colonel’ for the rest of his life.
The pride he took in his work is shown by his dedication to the soldiers he trained. He exchanged many letters with soldiers, providing further support. On occasion, Leonard provided financial support for the families of soldiers. He also offered references for soldiers if they were needed post-war. Despite his knowledge and passion, he was unable to serve on the front lines simply due to his heritage.
Leonard’s younger brother, Harold (1877-1920), joined the Royal Sussex Regiment but was also prevented from serving abroad.
(Research by Shalom Sussex, see http://shalomsussex.co.uk/the-messel-family-living-in-britain-with-german-heritage/)
During WW1, Leonard was debarred from fighting overseas due to his German origin. Instead, he trained soldiers from the 4th reserve Battalion, ‘The Buffs’ (Kent), for which he was awarded an OBE. Leonard became a Lieutenant-Colonel but he was known as ‘Colonel’ for the rest of his life.
The pride he took in his work is shown by his dedication to the soldiers he trained. He exchanged many letters with soldiers, providing further support. On occasion, Leonard provided financial support for the families of soldiers. He also offered references for soldiers if they were needed post-war. Despite his knowledge and passion, he was unable to serve on the front lines simply due to his heritage.
Leonard’s younger brother, Harold (1877-1920), joined the Royal Sussex Regiment but was also prevented from serving abroad.
(Research by Shalom Sussex, see http://shalomsussex.co.uk/the-messel-family-living-in-britain-with-german-heritage/)
Letter written by W. Painis to Leonard. Documents held by the Imperial War Museum.
Other Occupations
Type of employment:
Partner in L. Messel & Co.
Gallery
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Documenting & commemorating the contribution British Jews made during the First World War.
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