The Royal Welsh announced the passing of Fusilier Ricky-Leigh Hollingsworth, who they said would be forever remembered as a “genuine, kind and hilariously funny” person
Fusilier Ricky-Leigh Hollingsworth of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, has sadly passed away(Image: Royal Welsh)
The Royal Welsh Regiment has paid a moving tribute to Fusilier Ricky-Leigh Hollingsworth, who has died, describing him as a “genuine and kind” young man who was “always looking out for others and finding the simple pleasures in life.” His passing has left “a massive hole” in the regimental family, according to his comrades.
The tribute shared details of Ricky’s journey in the army. Having joined in 2020, it was said that Ricky quickly became a well-loved and indispensable member of 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh.
After completing his basic and trade training at ITC Catterick, he joined B (Rorke’s Drift) Company at Lucknow Barracks in November 2020.
According to the tribute, Ricky’s energy, humour, and dedication immediately made him a valued member of his platoon and company.
Ricky served in numerous operational deployments, including Op CABRIT 10 in 2022 as the Platoon Commander’s Gunner – a highly prestigious role for a Fusilier.
He also took part in multiple overseas exercises, including Ex IRON STORM in Sennelager, Germany, and Op LINOTYPER in Poland in 2024.
Regardless of the challenges faced, it was said that Ricky’s infectious personality and stories lifted the spirits of those around him, even in the toughest circumstances.
No details about the cause of Ricky’s death have been stated.
His former Platoon Commander, Captain Lammomby, recalled a story that the regiment said perfectly encapsulated Ricky’s character. According to the regiment’s statement, the military working dog in Poland disliked everyone except Ricky, who secretly offered it treats during stand-down periods.
“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.” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
Comrades fondly remembered Ricky’s humour and unique approach to everyday life.
LCpl Williams shared memories of Ricky’s playful way of asking him out for a cigarette.
“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.”
Although Ricky had recently given notice to leave the Regular Army to pursue civilian opportunities, it was said that his heart remained with the regiment.
According to the post, he had planned to continue serving as a reservist in 3 R WELSH, joking about “showing the reservists a thing or two.”
Ricky-Leigh Hollingsworth’s loss has profoundly impacted the Battalion, with the tribute stating: “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.”
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