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Leonard was the only child of Matthew and Sophia Miles. Matthew had previously been married to Sophia's sister-in-law Susan Sarah Wisby with whom he had 13 children (1). Sophia had 5 children with her first husband James Herbert Wisby but they all died, the eldest surviving to 17 years (2).

He attended the Merchant Taylors' School from 1895 before going to Tonbridge School in May 1900. Two months later he was sent on medical advice to Chatham House, Ramsgate. On leaving there he was articled to a firm of country Land Agents, and afterwards qualified for Fellowship of both the Surveyors' Institution and the Auctioneers' and Estate Agents' Institute, subsequently obtaining an appointment on the Valuation Staff of the Inland Revenue. He was a Freeman of the City of London, having served his Apprenticeship to a Liveryman of the Merchant Taylors' Company.

In May, 1915, he joined the Inns of Court O.T.C., and obtained a Commission on July 28th 1915 in the 3rd Dorsets, but was afterwards transferred to the Royal Fusiliers. He joined the Bombing Section, and went to the Front in July 1916. On October 7th 1916 he was reported missing believed dead. His CO. wrote: " While leading his company with the utmost gallantry he was seen to fall, but, although the ground was afterwards searched, he could not be found. He was a great favourite with both officers and men."

Thank you to Merchant Taylors' and Tonbridge Schools for their assistance.