‘Ginger’ died on 1 February 2009, aged almost 89 years.
He was born at Chard, Somerset, on 14 April 1921. He enlisted in Jersey on 17 November 1939 and was posted to the 2nd Royal Gloucester Hussars, then stationed at Ilfracombe, joining ‘H’ Squadron.
Unfortunately, he was posted to RHQ, thereby not having the good fortune as ‘H’ Squadron did of joining The 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars when 2 RGH was disbanded.
He sailed with the Regiment to the Middle East on 15 August 1941. The 2nd RGH took part in the Desert battles from 1 October 1941 to 3 September 1942.
When 2 RGH was disbanded, Len was posted to the 4th Queen’s Own Hussars and fought with them in the Desert and in Italy. This was not a happy time for him, as he did not get on with the Squadron Leader. On leaving The 4th Hussars he was posted to The 12th Royal Tank Regiment.
He was promoted to Corporal in April 1944. He returned to the Uk on 30 August 1945, being discharged to the ‘B’ Reserve on 27 June 1946.
He married Joan in Jersey on 13 October 1945. On his return to Jersey, he went back to his former employment on the docks.
Joan and Len had 3 daughters, Rosemary, Ruth and Carole.
For his war service, Len received The Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp, The Italy Star, The 1939/45 Star, and the Defence and War Medal.
On the 12th of August 1950, the blow fell – he was recalled to the Colours and posted to The 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars, then at Tidworth, preparing to go to Korea. He was one of many called back of all ranks up to Captain.
He was posted to ‘C’ Sqn and sailed from Southampton on the ‘Empire Fowey’ on 11 October 1950. He was taken ill and disembarked for a hospital in Singapore on 5 November 1950. He rejoined ‘C’ Sqn in Korea on 4 December 1950. He was appointed L/Cpl on 3 March 1951 and promotion to Cpl followed on 25 April 1951 (Imjin Day).
He was initially in John Hurst’s 4th Troop but subsequently joined SHQ Troop as the Bulldozer driver, in which capacity he damaged the ancient Town Gate of Suwon.
During the first days of the Battle of the Imjin, he drove the Squadron Leader’s tank. As the Squadron Leader was on leave, the Operator Sgt. Bill Goddard commanded, and Cpl Jimmy Rand, the driver, became the Operator, leaving this vacancy for Len.
At some time in 1951 Len came across a young, unaccompanied Korean boy, Chong, Len and his crew took Chong with them to Suwon and on to Yongdungpo. When the Squadron left Yongdungpo, Chong went to work for the Americans. 34 years later, Joan and Len visited Korea with The British Korean Veterans’ Association and has previously written to Mr Jaewoo, a head-master, for help in finding Chong, were able to have a very touching reunion.
He flew to the UK on 21 December 1951, arriving a day later. He went on leave and was released on 18 January 1952.
He again returned to the docks and became a militant Union official.
Len was a loving husband and father, and a proud grand-and great-grandfather. He was gregarious, forceful, kind generous, a loyal friend and a loyal and true Gloucester Hussar and 8th Hussar.
He was a regular attendee at the London Reunions and to Old Comrades’ visits to the Regiment.
