1939-45 Star (78825 E.G. LEATHERS); Africa Star (78825 E.G. LEATHERS); War Medal 1939-45 (78825 E.G. LEATHERS); Africa Service Medal (78825 E.G. LEATHERS)
Ernest George Leathers was born in Johannesburg in 1919. He attested for service with the 3rd battalion, Transvaal Scottish for service in WWII on 7 July 1940 and was a Sampler on the Gold Mines at the time. He disembarked at Mombasa on 15 December 1940 and went on to North Africa/Middle East after the campaign against the Italians in East Africa had been successfully waged.
He was reported as Missing presumed Wounded on 22/23 November 1941 - this was during the battle of Sidi Rezegh during Operation Crusader where the 3rd TS were heavily involved. The unit, part of the 5th South African Infantry Brigade, was overwhelmed by German armor, suffering significant losses. After the battle, the battalion was temporarily disbanded due to the heavy casualties.
Operation Crusader was a British offensive aimed at relieving Tobruk and defeating Axis forces in North Africa with the battle of Sidi Rezegh a key engagement within Operation Crusader, where the 5th South African Brigade, including the 3rd Transvaal Scottish, was heavily engaged with German forces. The 3rd Transvaal Scottish, along with other South African units, faced intense German artillery and tank fire. They were reduced to firing their guns over open sights as they were overrun by German tanks. This led to the temporary disbandment of the regiment - there losses were that heavy.
Leathers was one of the many casualties - apart from being Wounded (GSW left foot on the day of the battle), he was also taken Prisoner of War and spent most of his captivity in Stalag VIIA (Moosburg) in Germany. He was released on 15 May 1945
He married in Johannesburg on 12 February 1949 at the age of 30 and was a Shift Boss on the Mines at the time living at Pine Grove, PO Elandsfontein.
Medals are in good condition unless otherwise indicated. Sold with comprehensive research including his WWII service file and cards.
