LESLIE, William John

Rank: 
Sergeant
Unit / Base: 
'3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines'
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Number: 
P023234T
Sergeant William Leslie was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his gallantry during operations on the Falkland Islands.
Citation
During the period 21st-26th May 1982 HMS Broadsword was subjected to numerous air attacks. During these attacks two aircraft were shot down by Sea Wolf missiles and two by Bofors gun and small arms fire. Sergeant Leslie trained and was in charge of a General Purpose Machine Gun Rifle Battery manned by a mixed group of seamen and marines on the signal deck. His professional expertise with weapons and his steadiness under fire quickly won the confidence of these men, despite their exposed position, and ensured the effectiveness of their fire, leading to the destruction of two enemy aircraft. Although narrowly missed by a 30 mm cannon shell in an early attack, Sergeant Leslie was unperturbed and continued coolly to guide and encourage his men during successive waves of air attacks on and off duty throughout the whole period. 
 
Source
London Gazette 49134, page 12840.
 

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.