Trafford

Born during the December quarter 1915 in the Stockport R.D. - ref: 8a/63,
the son of Claude Leeder & Miriam Worthington (nee Ferns).

B.A. & B.C.L. (Oxon).    Employed by Slater Heelis Solicitors.

ROYAL MALTA  ARTILLERY - By 1938, the RMA comprised one regiment of three
coast batteries. This was expanded in the Second World War to five
regiments - 1st Coast Regiment (four batteries), 2nd Heavy Anti-Aircraft
Regiment (four batteries including one in Egypt) 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft
Regiment (four batteries including the Dockyard Defence Battery), 5th Coast
Regiment (three batteries), and 11th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment (three
batteries), as well as 8th Searchlight Battery of 4th Searchlight Regiment
Royal Artillery RMA and 14th Heavy Anti-Aircraft (Relief) Battery which
formed part of 4th Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA.

Died during the Battle for Tobruk.   One of at least 130.

Up until the beginning of 1942, the North African campaign had been
characterised by swift advances by both sides, followed by equally swift
withdrawals. In May of that year the Allied forces were based in a static
series of 'Boxes' on the Gazala line awaiting an anticipated attack. Rommel
was determined that this time his forces would capture Tobruk and continue
to Cairo, Alexandria and the Suez Canal. His problem was a lack of supplies
and the further his troops advanced, the more acute the need to capture
fuel, ammunition and food became. 

Despite strong resistance at the end of May, Rommel's Afrika Korps overran
the 150 Brigade Box which blocked his supply route and attention was then
focused on the Free French forces at Bir Hacheim, the southern-most Box.
Forces in the remaining Boxes were ordered to withdraw as the Armoured
Corps could no longer offer any hope of protection. Amidst scenes of
confusion the troops fell back towards Tobruk, but it was captured 21 June,
with Rommel taking over 30,000 prisoners as well as vehicles and valuable
supplies. By 22 July the Afrika Korps had reached the limit of its advance
and both sides dug in. It would take until October before Allied forces had
recovered and re-equipped sufficiently to launch a sustained attack.