Ronald, a former electrical wiring apprentice, served with A Squadron, 23rd Royal Hussars, part of the 29th Armoured Brigade, 11th Armoured Division. His unit took part in ”Operation Bluecoat”, a major British offensive launched in late July 1944 to support the American breakout from Normandy.
The 23rd Hussars, equipped with Sherman tanks, advanced rapidly across the countryside and reached the area of Le Bas Perrier near Presles. On 2 August 1944, A Squadron came under intense attack from German Panzer forces east of the village. The regiment moved into defensive positions on the ridge later that day, supported by the 8th Rifle Brigade, and endured sustained shelling and mortar fire.
Corporal Clegg was wounded during the fighting on 2 August, and died of his wounds the following day, 3 August 1944. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission gives his date of death as 5 August, probably reflecting later administrative processing or burial.
Ronald lies buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, Calvados, France.
