Leonard Frank Smith came from Keresley, Coventry, Warwickshire. He got married to Cathaleen [sic], Mary Smith on 26 April 1937 in Registry Office in Coventry. 

He enlisted into the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on 13 July 1940. Leonard was promoted to L/Cpl 12 May 1941. Volunteered for The Parachute Regiment in 1942 when the 8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion was formed from the Royal Warwickshire Regt.

Leonard attended parachute training course number 44 at RAF Ringway between 28 December and 8 January 1943. His course report stated that he was 'Keen and cheerful' and held the rank of L/Cpl. Leonard was posted to 4 Platoon, B Company, 8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion and took part in the D-Day landings to Normandy on 6 June 1944.

Listed with the rank of Cpl, Leonard Smith on 6 June 1944, aged 31 years old was listed as 'missing presumed dead'. He is now buried at Grave Ref: V, B 1-22 Ranville War Cemetery, Normandy.

Headstone image provided by Bob Hilton. Service records kindly donated by Michael Smith