Leslie was born on 16 July 1917 in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Mark (Michael) Shapiro and Annie nee Bloch and he had two sisters Doreen and Estelle. Leslie’s father who worked as a draper died three months after Leslie’s death.

Leslie joined the RAF in August 1939 and was called up on 1st September 1939. He was awarded his wings on 18th July 1940, completed his flying training at 11 FTS and was commissioned on 7th September.

After converting to Hurricanes at 5 OTU Sharp joined 111 Squadron at Drem on 2 October. He was posted away to Cranage on 18 December to join 96 Squadron, then being formed there.

On 28 December 1940 he was flying in Hurricane P3899 with a squadron detachment at RAF Squires Gate on night training. After a normal take-off he was seen to climb to 300 feet, then turned to port and crashed into the sea one mile off shore. The reason for the crash is unknown and sadly Leslie drowned. His body was recovered and he is buried in Carnmoney Jewish Cemetery, County Antrim.