Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Isaac and Maria Lester. Other sources show his place of residence as Loughborough, Leics. The War Diary entry for the 22nd June 1917 records. SOUTH EAST OF EPEHY. At 1.30am The Germans attempted a raid on the BIRDCAGE, intending to block the communication trench by bombing and to raid the garrison. This plan was frustrated by rifle fire and 10 Germans were left on the wire of the communication trench, 3 being brought in wounded, all of whom subsequently died. Lt. P. M. TOULMIN, who was out on a patrol towards a German sap, returned hurriedly just before the bombardment, having evidently seen some Germans massing. He was caught in the barrage, and killed, with 4 others of the patrol. The casualties were 1 officer killed, 9 other ranks killed and 10 other ranks wounded.
The War Diary entry for the 30th June records. Casualties during the month. Killed in action Lt. P. M. TOULMIN and 9 other ranks. Died of wounds, 1 other rank. Wounded in action, 16 other ranks.
STATES:
Officers 31st May 33
Deduct
Lt. P. M. TOUMIN (Killed in action)
2nd Lt. M. D. JONES (To Hospital sick)
2nd Lt. R. G. SIKES (Leave to CANADA) 3
30
Other ranks 31st May 588
Add
From Hospital 41
From Base 6
From temporary detachment 4
Drafts 28 79
667
Deduct
To Hospital (Sick) 38
To Hospital (Wounded) 16
Killed in action 10
To temporary detachment 5
To other units 2
To months furlough 2 73
594