Sad news – Mr. L Reeves

Aldridge Royal British Legion informed the school of the death of Mr. L. Reeves

Mr. Reeves passed away in the early morning on May 31st 2021. Many will all remember him from his words at every Remembrance Sunday Parade at the War Memorial in Aldridge and we at Aldridge remember his visits to the school very warmly.

This wonderful obituary from the Market Garden Veterans Association sums our thoughts up well – .

RIP Les Our dear brother Veteran Chevalier Leslie Reeves, Legion d’honneur, Royal Tank Regiment 16/06/1924 – 31/05/2021

It is with the deepest regret and a heavy heart I must inform you of the death of our dear Brother Leslie Reeves who died peacefully at home today at 06:35 on 31st May 2021 at the grand age of 96 yrs. (a couple of weeks short of his 97th).

Les served in the Royal Tank Regiment and saw active service in WW2, first in the Western Desert at El-Alamein 1942, then France during operation “Overlord” “D” Day June 1944 landing on Juno beach on the 6th June 1944, Les also took part in operation “Market Garden” September 1944 then later entering Germany where Les suffered horrific injuries in the latter weeks of the war from which he has suffered throughout the rest of his life. Les was a very active member of many organisations and associations, holding many offices including the Normandy Veterans Association, Market Garden Veterans Association, Royal Tank Regiment Association – Birmingham branch, Royal British Legion — Aldridge branch, Federation of Birmingham Ex- Service Associations; and in later years he took up the position of President, 1944 Alliance Normandy – Market Garden. This position Les still held. He played a big part in all the various trips to Normandy and Holland plus other activities, including the fundraising and store collections. Les was a very active, genuine, gifted, and caring colleague. He was a most loyal and genuine friend; certainly a gentleman and very popular.

Dear Les, may you now Rest in Eternal Peace.

Peter Lloyd, Secretary 1944 Alliance Normandy-Market Garden

All at Aldridge School send our deepest condolences to Mr. Reeves family and friends. We also take this opportunity to express our true gratitude and respect for a wonderful man.