LEGGO, Jack Frederick
| Service Number: | 402367 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 19 August 1940 |
| Last Rank: | Squadron Leader |
| Last Unit: | No. 617 Squadron (RAF) |
| Born: | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia , 21 April 1916 |
| Home Town: | Lake Macquarie, Hunter, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Newcastle High School, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Business Leader |
| Died: | Illness, Brisbane Queensland Australia , 14 November 1983, aged 67 years |
| Cemetery: |
Albany Creek Memorial Park-Cemetery & Crematorium, QLD Area 5 Bed 1. Monument: Queensland Garden of Remembrance, Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia. |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 19 Aug 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 402367, Aircrew Training Units | |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Aug 1940: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader, 402367 | |
| 16 May 1943: | Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Flight Lieutenant, 402367, No. 617 Squadron (RAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45, Dams Raid 16/17 May 1943 | |
| 10 Dec 1945: | Discharged Royal Australian Air Force, Squadron Leader, 402367, '61AS' - unit on discharge |
Help us honour Jack Frederick Leggo's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Graham Padget
Jack Frederick Leggo was born in Sydney on 21 April 1916, the son of Frederick Henry Leggo and Leah Druce. He was brought up in Newcastle, New South Wales and went to Newcastle High School. He then worked as a bank clerk before joining the RAAF shortly after the outbreak of war.
He returned to Australia after the war and went into the sugar industry in Queensland. He married Mary Best in 1947 and they had three children.
After a successful business career he was knighted by the Queen in 1982. He died in Brisbane on 14 November 1983.
[part extracted from dambustersblog.com]
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
HONOURS AND AWARDS.
THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
402367 FLYING OFFICER JACK FREDERICK LEGGO
CITATION.
This officer has flown with F/O Martin R.A.F.V.R. as captain and observer respectively of outstandingly successful and efficient crew who have consistently bomb targets from low altitude returning with excellent photographs.
On one occasion in August spent thirty minutes locating target in face of intense opposition.
Aircraft hit in many places and one engine caught fire. Nevertheless attack pressed home most resolute determined manner. Again in August were detailed for mission calling for high standard navigation and crew co-operation which accomplished highly successful manner. Martin and Leggo displayed valour courage of highest order in face enemy.
[Transcribed as is from NAA Service Record]
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
HONOURS AND AWARDS.
BAR TO THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
FLIGHT LIEUTENANT JACK FREDERICK LEGGO. D.F.C. (402367)
CITATION.
On the night of 16th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged.
Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams.
This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of the aircraft crews.
[Transcribed as is from NAA Service Record]
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