He was soon promoted to the rank of Sergeant Instructor, training recruits at Prees Heath, Shropshire and Kinmel Park, North Wales.

[citation needed] In the winter of 1918, now promoted to corporal, Lester was wounded during the massive German offensive and was sent to Rouen for treatment.

It was 12 October 1918, in driving rain and sleet, that the 22 year-old corporal in the 10th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers performed a deed for which he was awarded the VC.

Lester exclaimed, " I'll settle him," and, dashing out into the street, shot the sniper at close quarters, falling mortally wounded at the same instant.

[3]He is at buried in row B, grave 15 in Neuvilly Communal Cemetery Extension, France, located three miles north of Le Cateau.