Private Leslie Slack

Private Leslie Slack was the son of Richard and Ethel Slack, of Hoyland, Yorkshire. He joined up the same day as his brother Edward Slack (who also died as an Airborne soldier, and is buried in Sicily) to the Royal Scots Fusiliers on the 22 April 1939. [1]

In 1943, and by now a Corporal, he volunteered for Airborne Forces and after completing the selection process at Hardwick Hall, he did Parachute Course 94/95 at RAF Ringway, 6 to the 20 December 1943. He completed the two daylight and one night-time balloon, and five aircraft descents to qualify for his ‘wings’.

His Parachute Instructors comments: ‘A good average parachutist, reliable NCO, handles men well’.

Upon completion he was sent to the Holding Company, Depot and School Airborne Forces Depot at Hardwick. [2]

Later on he was posted to the 156 Parachute Battalion, then billeted at Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire. He was assigned to 3 Platoon, ‘A’ Company, which was commanded by Sgt W Griffiths, who was acting as the Platoon Commander.

As part of the 4th Parachute Brigade, the Battalion emplaned on 18 September 1944 at Saltby Aerodrome taking off at 11:00. They were to parachute in to Drop Zone ‘Y’ as part of the Second Lift. Opposition was encountered however, and by the time the Battalion reached the RV, they had suffered up to 100 casualties. One of these men was Private Leslie Slack, Killed In Action during his parachute descent.
 
Private Leslie Slack was killed on 18 September 1944, aged 26 years old. He was originally given a field burial in the grounds of the work camp near Ginkel Heath. He was later interred at the Arnhem/Oosterbeek War Cemetery, 26. A. 18.

NOTES:

[1] The Parachute Regiment, Transfer & Enlistment Book 14, page 68.

[2] Parachute Course Report, RAF Ringway. December 1943.