Major Allan H Leeson MBE

Allan Leeson passed away peacefully on 12 July 2022 aged 81. Having had dementia for some time he managed it well until he got covid in March this year. He leaves behind his wife, three married children and twelve grandchildren.  Ivar Hellberg, who knew Allan well spoke for all RASC/RCT Airborne Officer Association members in that our thoughts and prayers are with Heather and the family.

The photo was taken in 1971 at 63 Para Sqn RCT just before Tom Ridgeway packed his kit and made room for John Pitt.

Jon Turner first met Alan on taking over from him in January 1972 and then going to Kenya with him in the February. They met again at the 50th Anniversary of the Airborne Forces Dinner at The Guildhall in London. 

Having last seen him in Northern Ireland, Iain Bamber was sad to learn about ‘Noddy’ Leeson passing away, as was Geoffrey Hardaker for whom Noddy was part of his guard of honour as well as a challenging opponent when playing squash. Geoffrey remembers a good man with a wicked grin and entertaining. Shortly after Allan and Heather became engaged Geoffrey and his wife entertained them in their split in Singapore. 

Allan was also at the wedding of Alastair and Jane Adams, this time as Best Man and he “did a good job”.  Both Noddy and Alastair started their military careers in the RAC. Allan was a 17/21st Lancer and Alastair was in the newly formed QOH.  “We served together in 63 Sqn, and I later took over from him as MTO 23 PFA when he went off to learn to fly. We came together again in 1972 when Allan, Tom Ridgway, John Pitt and I spent a year on the Advanced Transport Course. Great fun!!”

Alistair knows why Allan was called Noddy but does not remember when it started. Like many others, he does remember a man who was good fun with a broad smile, and he concludes with “A very sad end for a good soldier, family man and friend”.