British Military Cloth Patch - Sword on Cross in Shield
AssociatedAssociated with
Private Edward Laird Leys
(New Pitsligo, Scotland, 1921 - 2010)
Date1939-1945
Object NamePatch
Mediumtextile
ClassificationsWartime
Dimensions4.7cm long by 3.8cm wide
AcquisitionPresented in 2015.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS094828
Keywords
Patch belonged to Private Edward Laird Leys
65th Medium Regiment Royal Artillery
Born 12 December 1921 in New Pitsligo, died Aberdeen 2010. Brought up at West Brownhill Farm, the family home in New Pitsligo. Moved to Aberdeen. Enlisted 1942. Served in North West Europe from Normandy onwards, and Palestine. Had a small building business in Aberdeen after the war.
Note: 65th Medium Regiment Royal Artillery was a North East regiment. The men were recruited from Peterhead, Fraserburgh, Banff, Macduff, Aberdeen, Montrose and Brechin. One troop was apparently comprised entirely of men from the Aberdeen fish trade. On D-Day it provided support for 1st Airborne Division, hence the Parachute Regiment connection and why Leys wore the red beret and insignia on his battledress.
