Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Taken from nomination for Meritorious Service Medal RSL..
RSL
1969 Joined RSLSA HQ whilst serving as Regimental Sergeant Major in Vietnam, 12th Field Regiment
1982 Retired from Army rank Major
1998 Transferred to RSL Unley Sub-Branch Incorporated when this branch was in crisis and threatening closure
1999 Elected Vice President
Assumed responsibility for the Sub-Branch on the death of the serving President
2000 Elected President and ongoing to current date
2010 Life Membership - RSL-SA
2015 Meritorious Service Medal RSL

The Unley Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Memorial Hall 1914-1918 Trust
2002 Appointed Trustee

Legacy
1984 Joined Duty Legatee every three months originally to 30 widows, currently 10 widows
1984 - 1988
Elected 12th Field Regiment Vietnam Veterans’ Association
1982 Joined and actively involved to current date
United Services Lodge of Freemasons
1954 Joined whilst serving in Army
1976 - 1988
Member of the Grand Lodge Team

PARTICULARS OF SERVICES RENDERED AS A CITIZEN
Les Partridge has placed his concern for the welfare of all veterans and their families as his priority and endeavours to link the RSL with the local community. Having served in Vietnam he is acutely aware of the importance of empathising with veterans and their families, ensuring that they are “not alone” and have a place to share with others like themselves.
He also keeps in touch with members who are no longer able to attend meetings in nursing homes and writes and organises an RSL Sub-Branch newsletter, especially so that the interstate and country members are kept informed of issues arising.
He was part of the group who helped save the RSL Unley Sub-Branch Incorporated from closure and re-built the oldest sub-branch in South Australia (incorporated 1921) and maintaining its location at the historic Unley Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Memorial Hall 1914-1918. He has organised the upgrading and maintenance for this group of buildings.
He has helped save and co-ordinate restoration for numerous World War 1 Memorial Boards, saved and relocated a World War 1 Memorial, maintenance and collection of memorabilia for the Museum Room and yearly inspection and organising the restoration of the local War Memorials, especially those in the Soldiers‘ Memorial Gardens in Unley.
Currently working on Memorial upgrades for the Gallipoli Centenary.
• As President of the RSL Unley Sub-Branch Incorporated Mr Partridge is instrumental in organising the Unley ANZAC Day Dawn Service each year coordinating and liaising with the Army, the Cadets, Unley Brass Band, Unley City Council, Scouts and Guides, local churches and local schools.
He also organises the ANZAC Day Breakfast at the Memorial Hall for anyone who attended the service.
• Marches with the Artillery Vietnam Veterans’ and Regiment on ANZAC Day and is an active association member at reunions.
• Keeps in regular contact with many of the ex-service men who served under him.
• Representative in Canberra at the opening of the Vietnam Veterans‘ Memorial
• Regularly attends reunions for the Fire Support Base Coral
• Regularly attends RSL Regional Coordinators’ Meetings - Southern Area SA
• As President of the RSL Unley Sub-Branch Incorporated Mr Partridge also organises the Unley Remembrance Day Service each year coordinating and liaising with the War Widows, Army, the Cadets, Unley Brass Band, Unley City Council, Scouts and Guides, local churches and local schools.
He also supports the Poppy Day Fundraising on the Friday before Remembrance Day
• Organises an RSL Unley Sub-Branch Incorporated Christmas Fundraiser to support St Luke’s Mission for the Homeless
• He and his wife organise an RSL Unley Sub-Branch Incorporated Luncheon twice a month for Members to keep in touch with each other and raise any issues that may impact upon them
• Within Legacy he looks after the welfare and well-being of currently ten War Widows (at one time he was in caring for thirty)
• Support for the Australian Airforce Cadets in South Australia
• Arranging the gratis use of the RSL Hall for other related groups such as War Widows, RSL Insurance Group and Daws Road Repatriation Hospital if they are in need
• Liaising with The Trustees of the Sub-Branch, Keswick Barracks 10/27th Battalion, RSL State HQ, Unley Council, and others.
Mr Partridge has generously devoted most of his retired life to the RSL and particularly the welfare of RSL Unley Sub-Branch Incorporated Members, their families, the men he served with and ensuring the community is aware of the service and sacrifice made by some and the vital role they have played historically.

Australia Day Citizen of the Year
Mr. Leslie Partridge of Unley was recognised as Australia Day Citizen of the Year for many dedicated hours of volunteer service to the Unley RSL and a wide range of community organisations.
As quoted from the City of Unley Council, “Mr. Partridge has provided tireless service to the RSL and Legacy and has been responsible for the organisation of Anzac Day and Remembrance day ceremonies in Unley for over 10 years.”

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION
Major Leslie Walter PARTRIDGE (Ret’d),
24 Avenue Road, Cumberland Park SA 5041
For service to veterans and their families.
President, Unley Sub-Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia, since 1999;
Vice President, 1999; Member, 1999; Life Membership, 2010.
Trustee, The Unley Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' memorial Hall Trust 1914 - 1918 Trust, 2003.
Member, South Australian Branch, Returned and Services League of Australia, 1969 - 1999.
Chairman, Friends of Legacy Fundraising Committee, Legacy, 1984 - 1988; Member, since 1982.
Member, Grand Lodge Team, United Services Lodge of Freemasons, 1976 - 1988; Member, 1954.
Warrant - Officer, RSM 12th Field Regiment, Vietnam, Royal Australian Artillery, 1968 - 1969;
Army Major, retired in 1982.
Recipient, Citizen of the Year, City of Unley, 2012.