Leggo, Jack Frederick
- Date of birth:
- April 21st, 1916 (Sydney/New South Wales, Australia)
- Date of death:
- November 11th, 1983 (Brisbane, Australia)
- Service number:
- Aus. 402367
- Nationality:
- Australian
Biography
Jack Frederick Leggo was born on April 21, 1916, in Sydney, to Frederick Henry Leggo and Leah Druce. He grew up in Newcastle, New South Wales, and attended Newcastle High School. Following his education, he worked as a bank clerk before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force shortly after the war began.
Jack underwent part of his training in Canada. After earning his qualification as a navigator, he arrived in England and was assigned to 455 Squadron. In April 1942, this squadron transitioned to Coastal Command, but he was reassigned to 50 Squadron. He completed a tour with this squadron and subsequently moved to a training unit. For his contributions during the completed tour, Leggo was awarded a DFC.
Leggo was appointed as the Squadron Navigation Officer of 617 Squadron, overseeing the other navigators. He was part of the first wave of attack on the Dams. This plane was the third one to attack the Möhne Dam, but the mine veered off and exploded at the side of the dam.
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
"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.
- 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
"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.
- Awarded on:
- June 12th, 1982
RAAF Navigator Badge
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
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
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