Latest news with #ArthurLeggett
The Advertiser
10-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Full life of former POW marked with state farewell
One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018. One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018. One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018. One of Australia's last surviving World War II prisoners of war has been farewelled at a state funeral, where he was remembered as a dedicated, resilient soldier and cherished member of his community. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, was honoured with a military procession and service in Perth on Saturday. A riderless horse, symbolising a dead soldier, led the procession down St Georges Terrace, lined with hundreds of people paying their respects, before a service at St George's Cathedral. The horse, led by a handler, had reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the fallen rider. Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. Several items were displayed atop his casket, including his cherished sporran badge, which he kept when surrendering his Highland kit upon joining the WA battalion. The badge accompanied him throughout his time as a prisoner of war during World War II and he often recalled having to hide it from his German captors to protect the item. Prior to his capture, he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. His youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said before the event. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like that of her father experienced so everyone could enjoy their freedom today, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". During the service, Mr Leggett was remembered as having a "very full civilian life". He was also a keen visitor of schools across the state, including Mount Lawley Senior High School, which named its library in his honour in 2018.
The Age
09-05-2025
- General
- The Age
Poignant tribute to life of ‘gentle, humble' former POW
A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and 'certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War'. A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. 'He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble,' she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. 'When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men,' she said.
Sydney Morning Herald
09-05-2025
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Poignant tribute to life of ‘gentle, humble' former POW
A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and 'certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War'. A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. 'He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble,' she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. 'When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men,' she said.
ABC News
09-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Western Australia prepares for state funeral for World War II prisoner of war Arthur Leggett
West Australians will gather on Saturday to commemorate the state's last World War II prisoner of war, Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6. He was 106 years old. The veteran was a survivor of the infamous Lamsdorf Death March to Munich — where captured soldiers were forced to march across the Czech Alps while starving in the midst of the European winter. He was 22 years old when he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete, and spent four years as a prisoner of war. A state funeral will be held for Mr Leggett, which WA Veterans Minister Paul Papalia has described as a "once in a generation event". At 9:40am on Saturday, a riderless horse — symbolising a fallen service person — will lead a military procession from West Perth down St Georges Terrace. The number of steps taken by soldiers during the procession will equate to approximately one step for every kilometre Mr Leggett walked during his march in captivity. The St Georges Cathedral's tenor bell will toll 106 times, once for every year of Mr Leggett's life. The funeral will commence at 10:30am inside the cathedral. Members of the public will be able to view a live broadcast in a viewing area in the Stirling Gardens, or on ABC TV and DAB+ Digital Radio from 9:45am. Arthur Leggett was born on September 8, 1918 in Sydney, and first enlisted in the army in 1936 as part of the Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia. His first exposure to warfare was as part of the 2/11th Battalion, in the Battle of Bardia in January 1941, which was the first battle fought by Australian troops in World War II. By May of that year, Mr Leggett had been deployed with his battalion to Crete, where the German Airborne Division commenced its assault. Ten days of intense fighting ensued, with planes and German paratroopers cluttering the sky. On May 30, the decision was made to surrender. Mr Leggett was captured and put into Nazi Germany prisoner of war camps, where he was made to work 12-hour days in coal mines. In 1944, Russian advancements towards the war camps prompted the Germans to relocate — the Lamsdorf Death March — 800 kilometres through heavy snow. The group marched 15 to 25 kilometres each day, suffering from frostbite, and eating whatever rations they could scrounge along the way. American forces eventually arrived to liberate the prisoners of war, including Mr Leggett, and the Germans surrendered. Following the German surrender Mr Leggett, and the 20 men he had led throughout his time as a prisoner of war, boarded a plane to fly to England, but that plane crashed after a wheel fell off. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and the men were able to board another plane to freedom. Mr Leggett served as the president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association of WA for 29 years. Later in life, he became a well-known visitor of schools around Perth, educating children about the experiences of war. Mount Lawley Senior High School named its library the Arthur Leggett OAM Library in 2018. In 2015, Mr Leggett wrote the autobiography Don't Cry For Me, documenting his life up to his 88th birthday.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Poignant tribute to life of 'gentle, humble' former POW
A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am. A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am. A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am. A riderless horse will lead a poignant tribute ahead of a state funeral for one of the nation's last World War II prisoners of war. Arthur Leggett, who died on April 6 at the age of 106, will be honoured with a military procession in Perth on Saturday. Western Australia Veterans Minister Paul Papalia said it was possibly the only time the public would get to see a military state funeral and "certainly the only time we get to farewell someone of this stature from the Second World War". A riderless horse will lead the march and the tenor bell at St George's Cathedral will toll 106 times before falling silent as the state funeral begins. The horse, led by a handler, will have reversed boots in the stirrups, indicating the rider has died. Mr Leggett's youngest daughter, Sue Meagher, said her father was a remarkable man who had touched many lives. "He was a hardworking man - very gentle, very humble," she said. It was important for young people to understand what previous generations like her father's did so they could now enjoy freedom, Ms Meagher said. "When you hear the stories of what some of these older generations went through, they were tough people, they were wonderful, strong men," she said. Premier Roger Cook said the state's last surviving World War II prisoner of war was "a hero whose bravery and contribution to his community will never be forgotten". Mr Leggett enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of WA, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. He trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East, serving with distinction in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22, he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and was a prisoner of war for almost four years, surviving the infamous Lamsdorf Death March. Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to highlighting the sacrifices of serving men and women, and was president of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA for nearly 30 years. The public is invited to line the St Georges Terrace route and follow behind the procession after it has passed. The march will conclude with a Royal Australian Air Force flyover before the state funeral at the cathedral, from 10.30am.
