A Welsh journalist and author who wrote about his experiences as a soldier during World War II, and is best known for his humorous and poignant memoir "The Virgin Soldiers".
Leslie Thomas, OBE, was a renowned Welsh author best known for his rib-tickling comic novels, particularly The Virgin Soldiers, which spawned two film adaptations. With a writing career spanning over four decades, Thomas's works continue to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.
Born on March 22, 1931, in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, Leslie Thomas's life was marked by tragedy at a young age. He was orphaned at 12 when his mariner father was lost at sea, and his mother passed away a few months later from cancer. This tumultuous upbringing would later serve as inspiration for his first autobiographical book, This Time Next Week.
Thomas's writing career began during his National Service in Singapore, where he wrote short articles for English newspapers. Upon his return to England in 1951, he worked for the local newspaper group in north London before joining the Exchange Telegraph news agency (now Extel) and eventually, the London Evening News newspaper. He remained with the Evening News until 1965, when he decided to pursue writing full-time.
Some of Thomas's most notable works include:
Leslie Thomas was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2005 for his services to literature.
Thomas was a subject of the television program This Is Your Life in 1983. He was an avid supporter of children's charities and regularly participated in fundraising events throughout his career.
Leslie Thomas's works continue to delight readers with their humor, wit, and relatable characters. His writing legacy serves as a testament to his ability to find humor in even the most challenging circumstances, inspiring generations of writers and readers alike.
Though Leslie Thomas passed away on May 6, 2014, his writing continues to entertain, inspire, and bring joy to readers worldwide.
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