Ricky-Leigh Hollingsworth (Image: Royal Welsh)
Last Updated: 1 hour ago
The 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh has spoken of the “massive hole” left by the death of Fusilier Ricky-Leigh Hollingsworth, a soldier his comrades described as a “genuine, kind, and hilariously funny person” whose infectious energy touched everyone who served alongside him.
No details surrounding the cause of his death have been disclosed.
A beloved member of the battalion
Ricky-Leigh joined the army in 2020 and, after completing basic and trade training at ITC Catterick, was posted to B (Rorke’s Drift) Company at Lucknow Barracks in November of that year. According to the regiment, his humour, energy and dedication quickly made him an indispensable figure within his platoon and company.
His operational record reflected a committed soldier. He deployed on Op CABRIT 10 in 2022, serving in the highly prestigious role of Platoon Commander’s Gunner – a notable distinction for a fusilier. He also participated in Ex IRON STORM in Sennelager, Germany, and Op LINOTYPER in Poland in 2024. Whatever the conditions, the regiment said Ricky’s personality and storytelling lifted morale even in the most demanding circumstances.
‘A cheeky individual’
His former Platoon Commander, Captain Lammomby, shared a story from their time in Poland that the regiment said perfectly captured who Ricky was – involving a military working dog that took a dislike to almost everyone except him.
“We had Military Working Dogs attached to our Platoon, specifically a black Labrador search dog,” Captain Lammomby wrote. “It soon became apparent that the dog was not a fan of the soldiers from South Wales – perhaps it was the accent, perhaps not.
“This aversion applied to everyone in 4Pl except Ricky, who was immensely proud of the fact that the dog loved him. We in Platoon HQ couldn’t figure out why until I witnessed the truth during stand-down.
“Whenever the handler looked away, Ricky would secretly reach into his day sack and sneak treats to the search dog. Unsurprisingly, the Labrador immediately decided Ricky was his favourite person in the world.
“To me, this perfectly encapsulates Ricky: a cheeky individual who was always looking out for others and finding the simple pleasures in life.”
‘If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is’
LCpl Williams recalled a daily ritual that became one of his most treasured memories of Ricky – a uniquely elaborate way of calling him for a cigarette break.
“Ricky never used to just come to my room and ask if I wanted a smoke… that was too easy for our Ricky.
“Instead, he would tap my exterior window and hide when I was in my room, with the taps getting louder and louder until I went to see what the noise was. Ricky would always hide below my window so that I couldn’t see him, as though it was some sort of game. I want to make it clear that this only worked on the first two or three occasions.
“Despite this, it became a tradition. A NAAFI break would be called, I’d be doing admin in my room, and the tapping would begin… then the knocking… then the banging.
“I would stop what I was doing, open my curtains, and immediately look down to see Ricky hiding under my window, giggling like a little schoolgirl while looking up at me.
“On some occasions, this whole charade would last for nearly 15 minutes – trust me, I timed it. If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is. This was not a silly game we played occasionally; this happened every day for years.
“I don’t know why this is my cherished memory of Ricky amongst so many stories, but it is, and I will miss hearing that knock from now on.”
‘Forever a Welsh Warrior’
Though Ricky had recently given notice to leave the Regular Army and pursue opportunities in civilian life, his commitment to the regiment remained strong. He had intended to continue serving as a reservist with 3 R WELSH, joking about “showing the reservists a thing or two.”
The battalion’s tribute concluded: “His loss has left a massive hole in our family and has had a profound impact on the Battalion and all those fortunate enough to serve with him in 1 R WELSH. He was a genuine, kind, and hilariously funny person. We will all miss him dearly, and we will remember him.
“Forever a member of B (Rorke’s Drift) Coy, and forever a Welsh Warrior.”
