20/04/2026
A Celebration of Our Regimental Family
Recently, our Regimental Association family celebrated a truly momentous milestone. We had the privilege of joining East Yorkshire Regiment veteran 14810848 Pte Donald Leach to mark his 100th birthday!
It is a core tenet of our Regimental family that we look after our own, and there was no place we would have rather been than by Donald's side to present him with his birthday card, a specially commissioned cake, and a PWO Association presentation piece.
Donald’s story is one of duty and quiet resilience. Called up on his 18th birthday in 1944, he served with distinction, training in Northumberland before deploying to the Netherlands and crossing the Rhine into Essen. His service took him from the European theatre to Egypt and Palestine before his demob in 1948.
Since the war, Donald has remained a dedicated family man. Though he rarely speaks of his service, we are incredibly proud to recognise his century of life. Despite the challenges of time, his daughter Jayne tells us his mind remains sharp and his wit even sharper.
Donald, thank you for your service and for allowing us to be part of your special day. You are a true testament to the strength of your generation.
Fortune favours the brave.