Harold Lionel Isidore Spielmann

1893 – 1915

World War I Hero

Son of Sir Isidore Spielmann, an engineer and President of the Jewish Historical Society of England, Harold Lionel Isidore Spielmann volunteered for foreign service during the First World War. He landed in Gallipoli in command of 248 men on 25 July 1915 but was tragically killed in action just 19 days later on 13 August 1915.

His parents received the following letter from his commanding officer: “He only joined us about three weeks ago…..I was so impressed with his keenness and energy that I put him in command of a company. My judgment was fully borne out. ….. On the evening of the 12th inst. a battalion next to us in their trenches lost a portion of a trench….., and I was forced to organise a counterattack by 100 men of my battalion under your son and two other officers. Your son was in command of his section of the attack, and carried out his orders with skill and gallantry. He reached his objective, but was immediately killed and his men had eventually to fall back under strong opposition. His death, by bullets, was instantaneous… . Your boy died a hero's death in his country's cause, and that must ever be a source of satisfaction and comfort to you and one in which you must all take a pride - falling in action gallantly leading his men. What more can a soldier ask for?"

Harold Lionel Isidore Spielmann is buried in Pink Farm Cemetery, Helles, Turkey, and is commemorated in Willesden Jewish Cemetery on the Board of Honour and also an empty grave.

Harold Lionel Isidore Spielmann