Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Major Leslie Smith (V61202) served from July 1941 to December 1943 serving overseas in New Guinea with the Army Medical Corp. He was proud of his service to Australia and each year on ANZAC day he wore his army uniform whilst enjoying a cigar.

He was born in Manchester in 1905 to Jewish parents and arrived in Australia at the age of 7 years. He graduated from Melbourne University in 1929 as a physician after being educated at Wesley College.

At University he was a popular Officer in the crack regiment of the Victorian Military Forces namely, the MU Rifle Association and was an active InterVarsity Hockey player 1925 to 1928. He achieved full Hockey Blues in 1927. Additionally, in 1928 and 1929 he was Secretary of the Judaean League, an umbrella organization for Jewish youth, sporting and cultural groups.

Following graduation he practiced in the basement of Scotts Hotel Melbourne until moving to Queen St. He became Medical Consultant to large shipping companies and pioneered Industrial Medicine, particularly in the shipping world. He devoted many years to the Medical Welfare of Seaman in the Port of Melbourne.

He was actively involved in civil matters beginning with the lead up to the Melbourne Centenary Celebrations in 1934.

In later years he became further involved in local issues, stood for the Melbourne City Council on several occasions and was elected as a Councillor in 1957. Along the way he attended many Civil functions and was awarded the Queen's Coronation Medal in 1953.

Besides family his other passion was photography. He owned several cameras, a 16m projector with a library of family and other films. All films have since been donated to ACMI.

Unfortunately, he died unexpectedly on 10 December 1958.

A man of his time, successful in all endeavours, who enjoyed all that was available in a life spanning 53 years.

He was survived by his wife Patricia and their five children; Lloyd, Donal, Brian and twins Helen and Kevin