Staff Sergeant Leslie Ridings

Staff Sergeant Leslie Ridings was the son of William C and Grace Ridings, of Fence, Lancashire.

He originally enlisted with the Royal Artillery (TA), posted to 41st Survey Training Regiment on 7 February 1941. He quickly transferred to the Regular Army and by August that year he was mustered and appointed Battery Surveyor, posted to 71st Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery, eventually becoming Battery Surveyor (Class III), before transferring in the Army Air Corps in July 1942 with 1st Wing, Glider Pilot Regiment.

Initially an Acting Corporal, he rose through the ranks to become Acting Staff Sergeant in late December 1943. During this time, records indicate he had service in North Africa during late Summer 1943, and he was also awarded the Italian Star, although it is unclear which campaign this was for. He returned to the UK to begin training for the glider insertion to North West Europe in 1944.

On 5 June 1944 he emplaned at RAF Tarrant Rushton, Dorset for North West Europe and landed in Normandy on 6 June (D-Day). He was Killed In Action at some point on 6-7 June 1944. Official records state Staff Sergeant Ridings died on 7 June, aged 23 years old. He is now buried at St Vaast-en-Auge Churchyard, Normandy.