Trooper Leslie John Phillip Basford accidentally drowned at Sharjah on April 18th, 1968, whilst serving with “B” Squadron.
He was buried at Sharjah with full Military Honours.
Basford joined the Regiment at Catterick in August 1965 and was posted to “B” Squadron on the Regiment’s reorganisation at Maresfield in January 1967.
Though physically small, he was a man of great dash and courage. He played all games with zest, and drove his heavily laden three-tonner across the deserts of Sharjah, under most adverse conditions, with great competence and determination.
He always took tremendous pride in his vehicle and its serviceability and thereby proved to be one of the Squadron’s most reliable M.T. drivers.
Shortly before his death, he had managed to pass out nearly top on a Squadron run Saladin course, which had earned him a promotion to a Sabre Troop.
He leaves a widow and two children to whom our heartfelt sympathy goes.
