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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 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.
