As a North East journalist, Don Leslie would have observed and reported on a huge variety of events – often from the outside looking in.
But on June 6, 1944, the former Journal reporter, then serving as an army captain in the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, found himself at the very centre of one of the most momentous episodes of the 20th century - the D-Day landings in Normandy.
And tomorrow the top secret D-Day map that he carried, showing the invasion beaches of Juno, Sword and Gold, will be among some of his military effects which will be auctioned at the Newcastle saleroom of Anderson Garland.
Also included will be the Union Flag which Capt Leslie – who also saw action before D-Day in both North Africa and Sicily – carried with him onto French soil, his medals, pay book and a photograph. They are valued at £200-£300.
“He was an amazing man who had a great sense of humour,” said his granddaughter Tracy Coxon, who lives at Eglingham in Northumberland.
“I have decided to put these items up for sale as they have just been locked away for years and will continue to do so. I think they are best going to someone who has a passion for such things.
“I also have all his uniforms and I will be keeping his dress medals, and my older sister is keeping his MBE medal.”
Don Leslie originally came from Tyneside but moved to Embleton in Northumberland . His grandmother ran the Beresford Arms at Whalton.
Tracy said: “He was self-taught in German. He was an interpretator at the Nuremberg Trials, which was an achievement for someone from a small rural village.”
His German proved crucial while serving with the Control Commission in Berlin, when he accidentally wandered into the Russian Zone at a time when tension between the former allies was high.
As it became obvious he would be detained, he addressed two Soviet military policemen in fluent German, asserting his rights as a British officer, and just managed to step aboard a west-bound train before its doors slammed shut automatically in the Russians’ faces.
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After the war he became Major Leslie and held senior PR posts at GHQ West Africa, HQ British Troops Berlin, HQ Anti-Aircraft Command, and Security Forces Cyprus at the height of the EOKA terrorist emergency.
He later became head of Army public relations in Scotland and most of the UK, with responsibility for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Capt Leslie lived in Edinburgh Castle, and on one occasion it was his job to organise a morning swim on the Lothian coast for Idi Amin, when the Ugandan dictator turned up on a visit.
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He retired to Dunstan, near Craster in Northumberland, where he became a leader of guided walks for Northumberland County Council. He completed what was to be his last public relations exercise, briefing local reporters in 1999 about his 91st birthday walk to raise funds for leukaemia research, having lost his son, Malcolm, to the disease.
“He collapsed and died on his training walk, within sight of Dunstanburgh Castle which formed the background to much of his full life, “ said Tracy.
Donald Leslie Memorial Walks have since been held from Bamburgh to Craster to raise funds for the Tyneside Leukaemia Research Association.
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