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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. Saturday 08 Feb 1941
Page 6 Column 5
TAUNTON AIRMAN DIES ON ACTIVE SERVICE
L.A.C. LESLIE BELLRINGER
Much sympathy has been expressed with Mr. and Mrs. H. T. BELLRINGER, of 40, Ashley-road, Taunton, whose only son, L./A.C. Leslie Hubert BELLRINGER (R.A.F.), died on active service on Monday. He received extensive burns in a fire at a Scottish aerodrome, where he was training as an Air Observer.
His parents were informed of their son's serious condition at midnight on Monday, and they went at once to Scotland. Leading Aircraftman BELLRINGER had died, however, when his parents reached the hospital.
Born in Taunton, he was educated at Huish's Grammar School, where he was a popular all-round sportsman. He played in the School Football and Cricket XI.'s, and also at full back in the School Rugby team. Since then he had played Rugby with the Taunton Club.
On leaving school, he became Secretary to the Headmaster, Mr. Arnold GOODLIFFE, until he joined the R.A.F.
About 18 months ago he was transferred to the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, and was called for service last July. He was very keen on the flying duties of the Air Force, and at first trained as a Pilot. At the time of his death he was in the last stages of training as an Air Observer, and in a fortnight's time would have become a Sergeant Observer and entitled to wear a “Half Wing.”
He was engaged to be married to Miss Mary BAILEY, of Taunton. Leslie BELLRINGER's father is an inspector at Taunton Head Post-office.
The funeral will be at St. Mary's Church, to-day (Saturday), at 2.30 p.m. Mr. BELLRINGER sang as a boy in St. Mary's choir, and later was a server and sidesman.
Besides his parents, he leaves two sisters, Mrs. Gilbert MAPLEDORAM and Miss Marie BELLRINGER, both of Taunton.
<NOTES: Leslie Hubert BELLRINGER son of Hubert Thomas BELLRINGER and Emily Jane PRING>