John William Leahy
* 19 October 1964 - † 2nd.September 1988
RAOC Apprentice 1981-82. Member of Alemein Platoon

Private JWS Leahy
15 Batallion RAOC has been deeply shocked by the tragic death of Private John Leahy on 2nd September. John Leahy died at Willow Park, near Donnington, as a result of a caravan fire.
John Leahy joined the RAOC as a boy soldier in 1982, passing out from Colerne later that year. After a short stint in the Falkland Islands, he moved to 12 Ordnance Company at Osnabruck for three years. In early 1986, he was posted to 15 batallion RAOC, here at Donnington.
John Leahy was an extremely popular man with a very lively sense of humour. At work he earned a reputation for being a hard worker and was 'always there' when needed. He will be sorely missed by all his friends, both military and civilian, in the Batallion and No 2 Sub Depot.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go to his fiance, Miss Julie Fletcher, and to his parents, Mr and Mrs Leahy, for their sad loss.

Adrian Hayward-Wills writes:

Serving with John Leahy was a pleasure.

I first met John on Tuesday September 8th in 1981, we trained, served and laughed in the same Platoon - Alamein Platoon - and we were even billeted in the same room! He was in possession of a fine and keen sense of humour which enabled him to make and retain friends quickly.

An aspiring military professional, he was able to adapt quickly to the physical demands of Junior Infantry training and demonstrated considerable tact and diplomacy when dealing with others and as I have said before, great humour when dealing with difficult and demanding situations.

Within the confines of the RAOC Apprentice College Corps of Drums, John was skilled enough to play the Lead Tipper on the Snare Drum, often playing solo when required. This was particularly evident in the Freedom Parade of Viersen in Germany, where the Corps of Drums accompanied the RAOC Staff Band in 1982.

During Exercises he was always calm under pressure; his most endearing characteristic was his enthusiasm and dedication to all tasks, this is turn earned him quick promotion. In short, John’s decision-making skills were deliberate, calculated and for the benefit of those other Junior Leaders around him.

John Leahy inspired others and will be missed by his family and those that had the unique and fortunate pleasure of meeting him.