James McLeish was born in Edinburgh in 1910.

He married Doris Howard in July 1938 in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

1st KOSB War Diary for the date of his death

One deserter was brought in by A Coy from Regt MENZEL II Bn BODENRADER and No. 5 Coy. This was interesting as a deserter from 6 Coy of the same Bn was brought in by C Sqn 3 Recce Regt on the previous day. The II Bn only having two coys. Deserter's pl position was pinpointed.

During the day the Bn was shelled and mortared occasionally by heavy calibre weapons. (CSM McLeish was mortally wounded).

A 'C' Coy patrol under Lt AM Young went up this side of the railway line and crossed over to the East side at the level crossing at 796334. After crossing the railway the patrol could not go more than 150 yards N.E. as there was a house burning, which lit up the whole country side. The patrol could see no sign of enemy positions to the N.W. of the MOLENBEEK, but observed rifle MG and grenades being fired from the South bank of the stream in a Northern direction.

Otherwise patrols reported enemy holding usual positions on the East side of the railway.