Cecil Lee was born on 24th June 1916 to Frances and Lily (née Bastow) Lee. His parents were married in Crediton, Devon in 1899. Soon afterwards they moved to Colemans Moor Farm in Woodley, and sometime after 1911 they were living at nearby Sandford Farm.

In 1939 Cecil was working as an assistant to the Inspector of Weights & Measures, and was living with his sister Marjorie and his brothers Arthur and Percival, at Lea Farm House in Lodge Road, Hurst. Their mother Lily had died in 1935 and was buried at St.Nicholas Church. Their father Frances was also buried there after he died in 1950.

The 6th Btn. Seaforth Highlanders crossed the Straits of Messina and landed in Italy on 3rd September 1943. 17 Brigade, including 6th Seaforth, were the assault brigade. In November 1943 they moved to the Adriatic front near Ortona. and on 2nd January 1944, they returned to the west of Italy to take part in the operations to cross the Garigliano River. After the Anzio landings in February they went as reinforcements for the Bridgehead.

Cecil died on 31st May 1944 and is buried at the Beach Head War Cemetery, Anzio.