Leonard Edward Leaver was the son of Edward John William and Rose Gertrude (May) Leaver; husband of Margaret (Mack) Leaver. Married April 1939. His father Edward was killed in action with the Royal Irish Rifles on 7 June 1917. Leonard was survived by all three of his brothers. He enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment and volunteered for airborne forces.

Private Leaver successfully completed glider training and was posted to the 2nd (Airborne) Battalion, Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, A Company, 15 platoon and took part in Operation Varsity (Rhine Crossing). 850 men of 'B' and 'C' Coys of the Ox and Bucks were the 'coup de main' of the 6th AirLanding Bde, and were followed by the other companies including "A". Between 24/25 March 107 men were killed. From 26 March onwards a further 32 men were killed.

Leonard was killed on 24 March 1945. He was laid to rest at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery Collective Grave 35. E. 5 - 8.

"A" Company

        Commander : Major C. H. Styles

        Second-in-Command : Captain W. A. Bousfield

        No.12 Platoon : Lieutenant D. A. Arkell

        No.13 Platoon : Lieutenant Kenneth Gunter (Wounded 25/03/45)

        No.14 Platoon : Lieutenant A. D. Hamilton

        No.15 Platoon : Lieutenant O. C. R. Weatherby (KIA 24/03/45)

        Company Sergeant Major : CSM Sheridan

        Company Quartermaster Sergeant : CQMS Gentry