Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Leslie Myers was interviewed on the 17th of March, 2026. This biography was written the Year 12 VCE VM students of John Paul College, Frankston, Victoria.

The veteran interviewed was Leslie Robert Myers. He was in the Australian Army Service; his rank was being a private and service number was 3796804.

Les was born in Melbourne back in 1948 on the 14th of December at the Royal Women’s Hospital. His childhood was very difficult because when he was kid he moved around a lot in Victoria and changed schools because his father was in the military before him (as a POW). As he grew up, he hoped he’d become a butcher in the future, but unfortunately his date was drawn during conscription and Les was forced to serve. He soon received a letter that he was to join the Army in 1969 and served there for two years which included time in Vietnam.

Les described his time in the military service as different and difficult since it was huge change of pace from normal life. During the recruitment training, he mentioned that relationships he made with the other soldiers were solid, lots of comradeship and brotherhood during training – they were described as ‘closer than brothers’.

When Leslie and the other soldiers arrived in Vietnam, he was unsure as to why the other soldiers and himself were there and involved since this whole experience was all unexpected and unknown. He saw many foreign sites and had to eat rations. Les and the other soldiers had to come up with lots of strategies at night, survive ambushes, sleep on the ground, avoid deadly attacks and booby traps even though there wasn’t much coverage or protection. It was hot and always unpredictable in the war. At some point, Les got shot in the stomach and was presumed dead, but eventually he was found and returned home one month earlier than expected.

Eventually, Les returned home after the war was over and slowly started to get back to normal, but not completely. He had a difficult time adjusting and as a result, he has a service dog to help him. Les suffered from depression and anxiety. He had been through so much trauma and lost good people in the war. Les got married, divorced and had three children.

Leslie is a very brave man for fighting and putting his life on the line for so many people during the war, and for that he has my respect. He told us to never take anything for granted and to make the most of the friendships you make. You’ll never know when they’ll be gone. I will take that advice and never forget those words he told us. Thank you, Les Myers.

Les Myers contributed to making a world a better place by firstly going into the military but also risking himself for others and being that person others can rely on. Les taught me from his service - to always be big on respect and to not take anything for granted. Les demonstrated teamwork and leadership repeatedly through his service. This teaches me that the qualities of teamwork, leadership, kindness and support are ones that I should have myself in the future.

Thank you Leslie Myers for your service and the lesson you have taught. I’m grateful that you took time to talk to us about your life and service and the lessons of respect and empathy I took away from hearing you.