British Heritage
Remember, Cherish, Learn.
beta
Joshua Leakey
A Pillar of British Military Heritage.
When charting the annals of British military history, few figures emerge as iconic as Sergeant Joshua Mark Leakey. Embodied in him are the core values of the British armed forces—courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty, and selfless commitment. His valiant acts in the field have not only cemented his place in the military fraternity but also significantly contributed to the rich tapestry of British heritage.
Joshua Mark Leakey, born in 1988, hails from a family deeply embedded in the ethos of military service. He is the son of Air Commodore Mark Leakey, a retired Royal Air Force officer and former director of the Armed Forces Christian Union, and Rosemary, an occupational therapist. His academic journey saw him attend Witham Hall preparatory school and Christ's Hospital, an independent school in Horsham, West Sussex. Although he commenced a degree in military history at the University of Kent, his passion for serving in the military led him to drop out during the first term to enlist.
Leakey's lineage is not without significant military distinction. His second cousin twice removed, Nigel Leakey, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II. Furthermore, the former Black Rod, Lieutenant General David Leakey, another decorated military figure, also belongs to his extended family tree.
Leakey answered the call to serve his country in 2007, joining the esteemed ranks of the British Army's Parachute Regiment. His grit and perseverance saw him through three arduous tours of duty in Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick, in 2009, 2011, and 2013. His service during these challenging missions displayed a unique blend of courage and leadership, laying the groundwork for the exceptional valor he would soon exemplify.
It was during his third tour in Afghanistan on 22nd August 2013 that Leakey displayed the exceptional bravery that would secure his place in British military history. A routine joint patrol with British paratroopers, US Marines, and Afghan soldiers turned into a confrontation with deadly insurgents, leaving his group under heavy fire.
Despite being under enemy fire and in clear danger, Leakey showcased remarkable leadership, taking the initiative to aid the wounded and strategically re-site machine guns to suppress the enemy. His daring actions, which involved exposing himself to enemy fire multiple times, significantly turned the tide of the skirmish and prevented potential loss of life.
The result of this confrontation was the decimation of the enemy forces, with 11 insurgents killed and four wounded. His indomitable spirit and tactical prowess were ultimately recognized with the award of the prestigious Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for valour in the United Kingdom.
On 26th February 2015, Leakey was awarded the Victoria Cross, an acknowledgment of his courageous acts on the battlefield. In an unconventional move, the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, broke with tradition to embrace Leakey, a testament to the deep respect and admiration his actions had earned. Queen Elizabeth II later presented him with the medal during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on 14th April 2015.
Leakey's remarkable display of courage also earned him the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan and the distinction of becoming a Freeman of the City of London, the city's highest honour.
Sergeant Joshua Mark Leakey's story is one of remarkable bravery, leadership, and selfless commitment to duty. He exemplifies the very essence of the values cherished by the British armed forces and the nation at large. His acts of valour in the face of life-threatening danger have earned him a rightful place in British military heritage.
Leakey's story continues to inspire future generations of military personnel and civilians alike. His legacy serves as a beacon of courage and selflessness, illuminating the path for those committed to serving their country. His tale is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for bravery, resilience, and steadfastness in the face of grave danger—qualities that remain at the heart of British heritage.
The Birth of a Hero
Joshua Mark Leakey, born in 1988, hails from a family deeply embedded in the ethos of military service. He is the son of Air Commodore Mark Leakey, a retired Royal Air Force officer and former director of the Armed Forces Christian Union, and Rosemary, an occupational therapist. His academic journey saw him attend Witham Hall preparatory school and Christ's Hospital, an independent school in Horsham, West Sussex. Although he commenced a degree in military history at the University of Kent, his passion for serving in the military led him to drop out during the first term to enlist.
Leakey's lineage is not without significant military distinction. His second cousin twice removed, Nigel Leakey, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II. Furthermore, the former Black Rod, Lieutenant General David Leakey, another decorated military figure, also belongs to his extended family tree.
The Call of Duty
Leakey answered the call to serve his country in 2007, joining the esteemed ranks of the British Army's Parachute Regiment. His grit and perseverance saw him through three arduous tours of duty in Afghanistan as part of Operation Herrick, in 2009, 2011, and 2013. His service during these challenging missions displayed a unique blend of courage and leadership, laying the groundwork for the exceptional valor he would soon exemplify.
A Display of Extraordinary Valour
It was during his third tour in Afghanistan on 22nd August 2013 that Leakey displayed the exceptional bravery that would secure his place in British military history. A routine joint patrol with British paratroopers, US Marines, and Afghan soldiers turned into a confrontation with deadly insurgents, leaving his group under heavy fire.
Despite being under enemy fire and in clear danger, Leakey showcased remarkable leadership, taking the initiative to aid the wounded and strategically re-site machine guns to suppress the enemy. His daring actions, which involved exposing himself to enemy fire multiple times, significantly turned the tide of the skirmish and prevented potential loss of life.
The result of this confrontation was the decimation of the enemy forces, with 11 insurgents killed and four wounded. His indomitable spirit and tactical prowess were ultimately recognized with the award of the prestigious Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for valour in the United Kingdom.
The Victoria Cross: An Honor Bestowed
On 26th February 2015, Leakey was awarded the Victoria Cross, an acknowledgment of his courageous acts on the battlefield. In an unconventional move, the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, broke with tradition to embrace Leakey, a testament to the deep respect and admiration his actions had earned. Queen Elizabeth II later presented him with the medal during a ceremony at Windsor Castle on 14th April 2015.
Leakey's remarkable display of courage also earned him the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan and the distinction of becoming a Freeman of the City of London, the city's highest honour.
Legacy and Contribution to British Heritage
Sergeant Joshua Mark Leakey's story is one of remarkable bravery, leadership, and selfless commitment to duty. He exemplifies the very essence of the values cherished by the British armed forces and the nation at large. His acts of valour in the face of life-threatening danger have earned him a rightful place in British military heritage.
Leakey's story continues to inspire future generations of military personnel and civilians alike. His legacy serves as a beacon of courage and selflessness, illuminating the path for those committed to serving their country. His tale is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for bravery, resilience, and steadfastness in the face of grave danger—qualities that remain at the heart of British heritage.
- Joshua Leakeyen.wikipedia.org
