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Arthur Leggett passed away on Sunday surrounded by family Captured by German forces in 1941, he spent four years as a prisoner of warBy NICHOLAS COMINO FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 08:02 BST, 7 April 2025 | Updated: 08:02 BST, 7 April 2025
Arthur Leggett, Western Australia’s last surviving Australian Army World War II prisoner of war, has died at the age of 106.Captured at just 22 while defending the Greek island of Crete in 1941, Leggett served with the 2/11th City of Perth Regiment, which suffered heavy casualties during the battle.He spent four harrowing years as a POW, 18 months in a Munich camp, followed by gruelling forced labor in a Polish coal mine, working 12-hour days. He was also among thousands of prisoners forced to march over 800km across the Czech Alps, starving and freezing in brutal conditions.Mr Leggett passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, surrounded by family.Throughout his life, he remained a proud and active voice for Australia’s veteran community.A regular presence at ANZAC Day commemorations, Mr Leggett read the Ode of Remembrance at the Fremantle Dockers’ Len Hall Game in 2022.He also visited schools across Perth, sharing his wartime experiences to help younger generations understand the true cost of conflict. Arthur Leggett (centre) at Optus Stadium in 2022, where he delivered the Ode of Remembrance WA Premier Roger Cook paid tribute on social media, calling Mr Leggett a ‘Western Australian hero, whose courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”Mr Leggett showed extraordinary strength in the face of unimaginable horror, to protect the way of life that we all hold dear,’ he said.Cook also praised his work following the war, including his role as President of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association, which he held until his death. ‘He was a staunch advocate for his fellow veterans, making sure their sacrifices would be remembered for generations to come,’ he added.Federal Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh also shared his condolences on social media, reflecting on times they had worked together. ‘Arthur has spent his later years as an active and spirited member of WA’s veteran community… fighting every day for a better future for his fellow veterans,’ he shared.’Arthur, thank you for your service and for your contribution, not just in conflict but in the community.’ The Veteran Affairs Minister also revealed a personal connection to Mr Leggett, with his great uncle being killed in the Battle of Crete. Arthur Leggett (pictured) was just 22 when he was captured by the German ArmyEx-Prisoners of War Association of WA secretary Ray Galliott has called for Mr Leggett to be honoured with a state funeral.Speaking to the ABC, Galliott said Mr Leggett deserved the recognition ‘for what he’s done both during the war and subsequently.”He’s always said that his main drive to continue living and doing what he does was to preserve the memories of his mates,’ he added.Mr Leggett shared his remarkable life story in his 2015 autobiography, Don’t Cry for Me.Anzac DayWestern Australia
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Western Australia’s last WWII prisoner of war veteran dies
