08/05/2014

Virgin Soldiers Author Leslie Thomas Dies

Journalist and novelist Leslie Thomas, best known for his national service novel The Virgin Soldiers, has died aged 83.

He was surrounded by family and friends at his Salisbury home in Wiltshire on Tuesday after battling a long illness.

His wife Diana said: "He had a wonderful life and he travelled the world. All he ever wanted to do was write and that is what he did."

The author was given an OBE in 2004 due his services to literature after sold millions of books along the world.

Mr Thomas wrote over 30 novels as a journalist.

He leaves behind his wife, four children and four grandchildren.

(CVS/CD)

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