LEACH, William
| Service Number: | 425524 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 28 March 1942, Brisbane, Qld. |
| Last Rank: | Flight Lieutenant |
| Last Unit: | RAF Base (Beccles, UK) |
| Born: | 14 Cambridge Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales, 15 May 1914 |
| Home Town: | Manly, Manly Vale, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Head Teacher Yorke Is. School |
| Died: | 18 February 1986, aged 71 years, cause of death not yet discovered, place of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Buderim Lawn Cemetery - Crematorium & Memorial Gardens |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 28 Mar 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 425524, RAF Base (Beccles, UK), Brisbane, Qld. | |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Jan 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 425524 |
Help us honour William Leach's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of William George LEACH and Ruby Florence nee GEORGE
Husband of Ada B LEACH, 3 Leitelinna Flats, Fairlight Street, Manly, NSW
Married 8th March 1939 at Proserpine, Qld.
Distinguished Flying Cross Citation :- Flight Lieutenant LEACH has taken part in a good number of sorties, many of these being attacks on enemy shipping. He is a most competent and courageous crew member whose navigational ability has been an important factor in the success of many of the operations in which he has taken part.
Flight Lieutenant LEACH has displayed the highest standard of keenness and devotion to duty, and has proved a most valuable asset to the Squadron.
Life before joining the RAAF
His Dad died when he was fifteen years and 6months and he was made a ward of the State. South Brisbane Congregational Church assumed responsibility for his care. Mr and Mrs Mavor, Wooloowin provided a home and family.
In 1932 He commenced his teaching career as a Pupil Teacher at Coorparoo State School, whilst continuing to study and obtain hi Matriculation (UQ)
Married Ada on 8th March 1939 at Proserpine, Qld.
In 1940 he transfered as Head Teacher at Rannes.
Their son William Beresford LEACH, born 2nd June 1940, at Hillcrest Hospital, Rockhampton. (Later RAF Aircraft Engineer)
Transfered to Yorke Island as Principal.
Their second son Alan LLewellyn LEACH, was born 11 June 1941 on Thursday Island. (Later as Principal of various schools in Canada and QLD)
In May 1942 they were evacuated from Thursday Island.
Their third child, Valerie Margaret THOMSON (nee LEACH) was born 20 June 1942 at Brisbane Women’s Hospital. (Later, Education Consultant and School Principal)
In July 1942 moved the family moved to 12 Justin Street Cootamundra for initial training as Leading Aircraftsman R.A.A.F.
When Bill left for England, via Canada, the family moved to 3 Leitelinna Flats, Fairlight Street, Manly NSW, where we they lived till Bill returned in 1945.
Post WarWW11
He continued tertiary studies to Master Education level. Bill posted to Plainby State School (near Crows Nest, QLD)
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