Mr Lewis Levene, of 258 Hornby Road Blackpool has received a letter from Lieut.-Col E. Fagan informing him that his son, 2nd Lieut N.N. Levene, King's Liverpool Regt. was killed in action on the 9th inst. The Colonel adds: "Your son was a good and plucky officer and I much regret his loss". The deceased officer was by twenty-four years of age, and stood 6ft. 2in high. Well known and highly appreciated throughout the Hebrew community in Blackpool, he was also very popular in his regiment. He received his commission in November 1914, when the battalion was billetted in Blackpool: and went to the front in December last. His brother, Dr Leon Levene, is the Medical Officer of a battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers in France.
As a friend of the late Lieut. Nat. Neville Levene of Blackpool, I wish to pay my tribute to his memory. By his death the Blackpool Jewish community has been deprived of its most popular and respected member of the younger generation. We all loved him for his amiable disposition and noble character. His active interests in the various local institutions was most useful to the Jewish life of Blackpool, both socially and intellectually. Following the example of his father and his late mother, he was strongly attached to the synagogue. The Benevolent Society benefited greatly by the good work he did on its behalf. He was keenly interested in the Literary Society, which used to appreciate his lectures and the lively part he took in debates. The Grand Order of Israel had in him a staunch member.
Though quite young and possessed of ample means, he was no a seeker after pleasure for its own sake, but was rather inclined to the quieter pursuits of life, and divided his time between business and study, principally the latter. Lieut. Levene was unselfish and tactful, a personality and commanded the respect of the young and admiration of the old. The country's call for men was soon responded to by the young Levene in 1914. He sacrificed his all for the country he loved. The idealist and scholar turned into a warrior and undaunted his gave his life to the cause which he believed was right and just.