Jack Frederick LEGGO DFC*

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, Queensland
Area 5 Bed 1
Memorials:
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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

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Biography 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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