Ashtead War Memorials - WWII - Sqn Ldr Adrian Sigbert Terence Leach RAFVR 1910-46

The birth of Adrian S T Leach, son of Alfred and Leonora Marsden Leach, was registered in Newtown, Montgomeryshire for the December Quarter of 1910.

He had been awarded a scholarship at Newtown County School, 1928/9, before going up to University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, to read Mathematics. Having graduated B. Sc., he appears to come to London for employment and by 1934 was residing at 33 Sandy Lane South, Wallington, Surrey. His marriage to Rosa Ellen Ward may be found recorded at Hatfield, 9/1940.

Having joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, he enlisted as a Pilot Officer, 25 November 1940, and advanced in Equipment Branch to Flying Officer (War subs.), 6 September 1941, and Flight Lieutenant (Tempy.) from 1 January 1943.

The family, including Mrs Leonora Leach, had taken up residence in Ashtead before a daughter, Elinor Leach, came to be delivered on 22 January 1943. Reportedly, her father Adrian Sigbert Terence Leach (known as Sig) was then stationed in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria – perhaps RAF Walney.

Twin sisters Lynette and Jocelyn were born at Rose Hill Nursing Home in Dorking, 1 April 1945, and brought home to Alnwick, Hariotts Lane, Ashtead.

He was an acting Squadron Leader with Equipment Plans when he relinquished his commission on account of medical unfitness for Air Force Service with effect from 17 January 1946, but retained his acting rank. On 3 April 1946 he died at Hampstead General Hospital, Haverstock Hill, London NW5, before interment in St Giles churchyard three days later.