Les died on 19 September 1994.
He joined the 3rd King’s Own Hussars from The Queen’s Bays in November 1930 when they were stationed in Lucknow. He proceeded swiftly through the ranks, at one time achieving a promotion a year, being promoted to WO3 and appointed Troop Sergeant Major. His speciality was signalling, he did his first course at Poona in 1932.
He returned to the UK with the Regiment in November 1932, initially, they were stationed at York, a town he was to settle in later, but in November 1934 they moved to Tidworth, where they mechanised. In November 1939 the Regiment moved to the East Riding of Yorkshire. In July 1940 he left the Regiment, transferring to The Royal Signals in November 1940.
He was taken prisoner in April 1941 in North Africa. He escaped from the Sulmona prisoner of war camp in September 1943, crossing the River Sangro on 22 January 1944, and was repatriated to the UK in May 1944. He was awarded the Military Medal in June 1944.
He finished his soldier service with two years in Hong Kong, before being commissioned on St Patrick’s Day 1950 into the Royal Signals.
On commissioning he served in the Middle East, but mostly in Catterick and the surrounding area. His final posting was assistant camp commandant at HQ Northern Command, York. He retired on St Patrick’s Day 1958 and took up an appointment as BIA in York.
