Leggo, Jack Frederick

Date of birth:: April 21st, 1916 (Sydney/New South Wales, Australia)
Date of death:: 1983
Service number:: Aus. 402367
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

Jack Leggo was the navigator in the bomber P for Peter (Popsie) – one of 19 planes to attack 3 dams in Germany. The action and/or unit later became know as the Dambusters.
On June 12th, 1982 Leggo was made Knight Batchelor "For services to motoring and the community."

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Unit:: No. 50 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: November 6th, 1942

Citation:
"These two officers have flown together as captain and observer respectively of an outstandingly success ful and efficient crew, who have consistently bombed the targets from a low altitude, returning with excellent photographs. On one occasion in August they spent 30 minutes locating the target in the face of intense opposition.
The aircraft was hit in many places, and one engine caught fire; nevertheless, the attack was pressed home in the most resolute and determined manner.
Again in August they were detailed for a mission calling for a high standard of navigation and crew co-operation, which was accomplished in a highly successful manner."

Awarded simultaneously to Harold Martin.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 28th, 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Chastise

Citation:
"On the night of 16th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, 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 following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Sources

Photo: Australian War Memorial
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35773 published on the 3 November 1942
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36030 published on the 25 May 1943
- Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 49008 published on the 11 June 1982
- Flight Global - Archive
- Dambusters.org.uk