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LECKIE, Robert Flight Sub-Lieutenant, SEE DESCRIPTION, SEE DESCRIPTION Distinguished Service Cross - Distinguished Service Order - Distinguished Flying Cross British Flying Services WWI
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LECKIE, Flight Sub-Lieutenant Robert - Distinguished Service Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 22 June 1917. Born 16 May 1890 in Scotland; migrated to Canada; home in Toronto (commercial traveller); attended Curtiss School, 1915; no certificate; appointed Probationary Flight Sub-Lieutenant, Ottawa, 6 December 1915; confirmed in rank, 16 June 1916 with seniority from 6 December 1915; to Flight Lieutenant, 30 June 1917; to Flight Commander, 1 January 1918; to Major, 8 August 1918. To Chingford, 6 December 1915; to Felixstowe, 19 June 1916; to Yarmouth, 4 September 1916; to Southeast Area, No.4 Group, 8 August 1918. Document Air 1/416/15/243/5 Part III reported that since May 1917 he had done 18 flights to north of Holland (85 hours), been in action with Zeppelins eight times, been in action with seaplanes twice, been shelled by enemy warships four times, rescued crew of a DH.4 (5 September 1917); see B.V. Cousens, "A Pigeon and a Prayer", Aeroplane Monthly, October 1974) and sank a submarine (20 February 1918). Was involved in destruction of L-22, 14 May 1917. Returned to Canada and directed civilian flying operations under the Air Board; planned and initiated the Trans-Canada Flight of 1920. Returned to Britain in May 1922 where he was posted to the staff of No.1 School of Technical Training (Boys) at Halton. In September 1922 he went to Royal Naval Staff College for a course. Posted to Headquarters, Coastal Area, 5 July 1923. Appointed to command the RAF unit aboard HMS Hermes (March 1926); appointed to HMS Courageous in rank of Wing Commander, 26 August 1927. As of September 1932 he was Commanding Officer, No.210 (Flying Boat) Squadron when it undertook a “cruise” of Baltic ports with three aircraft. Appointed RAF Director of Training, 5 October 1936; in 1938 made AOC Mediterranean, with headquarters at Malta. Loaned to RCAF as an Air Commodore, 1940, to assist establishing BCATP. Appointed to Air Council in November 1940; promoted to Air Vice-Marshal, 1942; transferred to RCAF, 1943. Chief of Air Staff, 1 January 1944 to 1 September 1947. Awarded CB (28 May 1943); Grand Officers Cross of Polonia Restituta, Poland (1 May 1945); Commander, Legion of Merit, United States (18 June 1946); King Haakron VII's Cross of Liberation, Norway (12 July 1948); Honourary Mexican Pilot's Wings (14 September 1946); Commander of the Legion of Honour, France (20 September 1947), Order of the White Lion, Class II, Czechoslovakia (5 October 1946); Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown, Belgium (17 July 1948). Devoted much time to Air Cadet movement following retirement. Queen's Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953 (retired); died in Ottawa, 31 March 1975. See “Pinpoints in the Past”, Roundel Magazine, September 1958. See also article by Norman Shannon, “Robert Leckie - The Little Giant”, Airforce Magazine, Volume 24, No.3 (Autumn 2000). // In recognition of his services on the night of 3rd/4th May 1917, when he dropped two bombs on Ostend Seaplane Base with good results, making two trips. // LECKIE, Flight Commander Robert - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 17 May 1918. // For services in action with enemy submarines. // NOTE: Public Record Office ADM 116/1560 has recommendation dated 8 January 1918 from Yarmouth suggesting "Mention or Bar to DSC". The form gives a brief summary: // Pilot of H.12 on five occasions in which Zeppelins have been attacked in Zone Terschelling-Borkum Riff. Pilot of H.12 on September 5th, 1917 when crew of DH.4 were picked up near Swarle Banll [place name is a guess owing to penmanship]. // This was accompanied by a typed summary of the above: // Flight Commander Robert Leckie, DSC, RNAS, has been a pilot of an H.12 seaplane on five flights; on each occasion Zeppelins were engaged in the Zone Terschelling-Borkhum Riff. He was in the H.12 on September 5th when the crew of the DH.4 were picked up. // This refers to a recommendation made at the same time for Squadron Commander Vincent Nicholl (awarded DSO, 1 May 1918) which read, in part: // On September 5th, 1917 when in command of a Special Flight made by a "H.12" and a "D.H.4", the "D.H.4" had to descend in the sea owing to engine failure; the "H.12" alighted and picked up the crew of the "D.H.4"; owing to the rough sea the "H.12" was unable to again ascend and was adrift for three and one-half days. Squadron Commander Nicholl displayed great courage and determination and animated by the splendid example set by him the crew were enabled to keep the seaplane afloat during strong wind and heavy seas until picked up by HMS Halcyon. // Public Record Office Air 1/627/17/115/3, copied into National Library and Archives MG.40 D.1 Vol.12, has the text of report dated 10 September 1917 filed by Squadron Commander Vincent Nicholls re events of 5 September 1917 when Seaplane H.12, 8666 and DH.4 No.7459 were lost for three days. // I have the honour to submit the following report on the ant-Zeppelin patrol carried out to the Terschelling area in H.12 No.8666, pilot, Flight lieutenant Leckie, D.S.C., W/T Operator L.M. Thomson, and Engineer A.M. Walker, accompanied by DH.4, pilot Flight Lieutenant [A.H.] Gilligan, passenger/observer Lieutenant [G.S.] Trewin. // The machines left Yarmouth at 10.30 a.m. G.M.T. on the 5th September, set course 80 ̊ for Terschelling Island. At noon a Zeppelin was sighted 25 miles N.W. of Terschelling Island, steering S.E. I altered course to intercept the Zeppelin, H.12 9,000 feet, DH.4 10,000 feet and Zeppelin 10,000 feet. I signaled the DH.4 to climb as high as possible to attack the Zeppelin. // At 12.30 p.m. I opened fire on Zeppelin, our altitude was 12,000 feet and Zeppelin was 14,000 feet. She dropped water ballast and climbed still higher. The Zeppelin number was L.44. I continued attacking unsuccessfully for one hour, firing 400 rounds of anti-Zeppelin ammunition. The tracers were seen hitting the Zeppelin. During most of this time we were subjected to heavy M/C gun fire from the Zeppelin. The Zeppelin in the meantime led me over a squadron of two light cruisers and four destroyers, who did not open fire, presumably on account of the proximity of the Zeppelin. The D.H.4 was some distance away, and endeavouring to climb higher, and at 1.30 p.m. signaled me that his engine was not pulling well, and he could not climb any higher than 14,000 feet. I then signaled to him to close and attack the Zeppelin, which he did without result. At 2.00 p.m. the D.H.4 signaled me that he had serious engine trouble, and I signaled him to follow me and we would attempt to make Yarmouth. On passing Vleiland on a course 255, another squadron of two light cruisers and four destroyers was sighted, who heavily shelled us, making very good shooting, fragments of shrapnel damaging the starboard wing. A large group of mine sweepers was sighted at Texel Island. // While attacking the L.44 a second Zeppelin was sighted about 20 miles to the northward, steering a S. Easterly course at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet. She made of for Borkum Island at high speed and did not attempt to assist L.44. // At 3.30 p.m. when about 50 miles E.N, of Yarmouth, the D.H.4 engine failed completely and the machine crashed into the sea. I immediately landed in the H.12 alongside the D.H.4 and with difficulty, on account of the sea, picked up the crew. The D.H.4 sank almost at once. As the state of the sea made it impossible to get off again, and the port engine was not giving its revolutions, I taxied towards Yarmouth till 7 p.m. when I ran out of petrol. // We drifted from 7 p.m. on the 5th inst to 2 p.m. on the 8th, when we were picked up by H.M.S. Halcyon and towed to Yarmouth. // I released two pigeons at 4 p.m. on the 5th inst., giving my approximate position and my reasons for landing; one pigeon failed to return to Yarmouth, and the other did not arrive until 11.30 a.m. on the 8th inst. I released another pigeon at about 7 a.m. on the 6th inst., stating that we had probably drifted to the northward; this pigeon failed to return to Yarmouth. I released the 4th pigeon at 3 p.m. on the same day, stating that we had been drifting W.N.W. ever since we landed, and had probably missed Cromer. This pigeon arrived at Yarmouth at 10.45 a.m. on the 7th. // I regret that we did not succeed in destroying the L.44, and I think that we should most certainly have done so if the engine of the DH.4 had held out for another 20 minutes or half an hour // Public Record Office Air 1/627/17/115/4, copied into National Library and Archives MG.40 D.1 Vol.12, has an Intelligence Report covering RNAS Home Stations actions, October 1917, with the following section dealing with aircraft piloted by Flight Lieutenant R. Leckie with Flight Sub-Lieutenant Bolton, Chief Petty Officer Whatling and Airman Walker: // 30th October 1917: YARMOUTH: H.12 sighted a submarine 10 miles East by South of Smiths Knoll Pillar Buoy at 12.05, which immediately submerged. The seaplane reported the submarine’s presence to “DRYAD”. The submarine’s periscope was again sighted 10 minutes later for a few seconds and two 100-lb bombs were dropped where periscope was last seen. Nothing further observed. // LECKIE, Captain Robert - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 21 September 1918. // Captain Robert Leckie with two other officers, attacked and destroyed a large enemy airship, which recently attempted a raid on the northeast coast, and also succeeded in damaging a second airship. The services rendered on this occasion were of the greatest value, and the personal risk was very considerable for aeroplanes a long way out from land. // NOTE: Not all engagements were satisfactory. Public Record Office Air 1/627/17/115/1 (copied in National Library and Archives, Record Group MG 40 D.1, Volume 12) has the following Intelligence Report from Yarmouth, dated 26 July 1917. Aircrew were Flight Commander C.J. Galpin, Flight Lieutenant R. Leckie, L.M. Thompson and A.M. Walker: // Curtiss Boat No.8666 sighted Zeppelin L.45 at 9.10 a.m., 15 miles north of Terschilling and chased it till 10.00 a.m. Zeppelin rose to 14,000 feet and seaplane could not climb above 11,500 feet. At 10 a.m. another Zeppelin was sighted which rose at one to 15,000 feet. // [Narrative] This boat left Yarmouth 7.22 a.m. and reached Texel at 9.00 at 7,000 feet. Zeppelin apparently unaware of seaplane’s proximity owing to the sun until within one mile. She then threw out ballast, putting her nose up to 15-20̊ and helm hard over. Curtiss boat fired four trays Brock Pomeroy and Buckingham at 11,500 feet. Zeppelin dropped two bombs at boat when immediately below her and fired m/c [medium calibre ?] gun, bullets piercing top plane of centre section on either side of gravity petrol tank just clear of hull. At 10 a.m. pursuit was abandoned, and the second Zeppelin chased, but when three miles distant she threw out ballast and rose to 15,000 feet. She most probably received W/T signal from L.45. Seaplane reached Yarmouth at 2.02 p.m. // Both the Zeppelins were of the L.48 type painted glossy black with silver gray upper surface. The speed of L.45 at 14,000 feet was 60 knots. It has been observed that Zeppelins patrolling in this locality do not fly below 7 or 8,000 feet; this was particularly noticeable on this occasion as the visibility at that height was then very poor. // Destruction of Zeppelin L-22: Report to Commanding Officer, Royal Naval Air Station Great Yarmouth by Flight Lieutenant C.J. Galpin dated 14 May 1917, AIR 1/660/17/122/623, copied into Library and Archives Canada MG.40 D.1 Volume 14: // I have the honour to submit the following report on the patrol carried out on May 14th, 1917 by Curtiss Flying Boat type H.12, No.8666. // The crew of the Boat consisted of Flight Sub Lieutenant R. Leckie (pilot), C.P.O. Whatling (W/T observer), Air Mechanic J.R. Laycock (engineer) and myself. She was armed with three Lewis Guns with Brock, Pomeroy and Buckingham ammunition and four 100 lb. bombs and W/T apparatus, and carried 40 additional gallons of petrol in tins. // Weather was thick, the water being invisible from between 20 and 200 feet, but at heights over 1,500 feet this low bank of cloud could be seen through giving a visibility of about a mile. Sky overcast, fog and rain to W. and S. Wind S.E. about 10-15 m.p.h. Twenty miles from the Texel these conditions disappeared and a clear visibility of 15 to 20 miles was obtained. // In accordance with your orders we left Yarmouth at 3.30 a.m. G.M.T and kept a course of 80 degrees until 4.45 a.m. to make the Terschelling L.V. At 4.15 I relieved Flight Sub Lieutenant Leckie at the wheel, and when 80 miles from Yarmouth we ceased W/T communication to avoid discovery. At 4.48 we sighted a Zeppelin dead ahead about 10-15 miles away and end on. We were then cruising at 60 knots at 5,000 feet and two minutes later passed to Terschelling L.V. on our port hand. We increased speed to 65 knots and height to 6,000 feet. The Zeppelin appeared to be about 3,000 feet. We dropped three of the bombs to lighten ship at 5.00 and Flight Sun Lieutenant Leckie took over the wheel again. C.P.O. Whatling went aft to the rear gun and I went forward to the two Lewis guns mounted parallel in the bow. The Zeppelin turned North and then North East exposing her broadside and I conclude she was coming S.W. when we first saw her, and had now reached the limit of her patrol. We were then about two miles astern of her so increased speed to 75 knots descending to 5,000 feet. She seemed as yet unaware of us probably owing to our background of dark fog and cloud; but when we came within half a mile of her she put her nose up and seemed to increase speed. We dived at her at 90 knots coming up slightly astern at 3,800 feet where we leveled out to 75 knots. In this position we overhauled her on the Starboard quarter about 20 feet below the level of the gondolas. I opened fire with both guns at 50 yards range and observed incendiary bullets entering the envelope on the starboard quarter slightly below the middle. After a few rounds the port gun jammed but the Starboard gun fired nearly a complete tray before jamming also. We were then 100 feet from het and turned hard a starboard while I tried to clear the starboard gun. As we began to turn I thought I saw a sight glow inside the envelope and 15 seconds later when she came in sight on our other side she was hanging tail down at an angle of 45 degrees with the lower half of her envelope thoroughly alight. Five or six seconds later the whole ship was a glowing mass and she fell vertically by the tail. C.P.O. Whatling observing from the after hatch saw the number L.22 painted under the nose before it was consumed. He also saw two of the crew jump out, one from the after gun position at the top of the tail fin and one from the after gondola. There were no parachutes. When the airship had fallen to about 1,000 feet four large columns of water went up below in quick succession either from bombs or engines becoming detached from the framework. After 45 seconds from first ignition the envelope was burnt off and the bare skeleton plunged into the sea, leaving a mass of black ash on the surface from which a column of brown smoke about 1,500 feet high sprung up and stood. // By this time we had completed our circle and so set a course of 260 degrees for Yarmouth at 5.20 a.m. resuming W/T communication at 80 miles from the English Coast. The return journey was practically a continuous rainstorm. We made the Newarp L.V. and landed at Yarmouth at 7.50 a.m. // The action took place at 5.15 a.m. in longitude 4.35 : E. latitude 53.25" N., 18 miles to the N.N.W of the North end of Texel Island. // L.22 was silver gray in colour with a cross outlined on the upper surface. She flew an ensign below the rudder. Two gondolas were hung beneath the envelop and separate from it. The nose was very blunt, tail not so blunt. There were two gun positions on the top, one on the vertical fin immediately before the rudder and the other just abaft the nose. Her speed was certainly more than 50 knots. // It was evident that we had 20-25 knots greater speed than she, even though we did not open our engines right out during the whole attack. This combined with the complete surprise gave us an incalculable advantage. The enemy appears to have attempted to have returned our fire as we have a bullet hole in the left upper plane and another in hull amidships, I consider he was set alight before he fully realized the nature of the attack; but even under normal conditions this type of seaplane should prove superior in every way to a Zeppelin if one can judge from the large amount of power which we left untouched. She was also very handy and easily conned from the forward cockpit by signals to the pilot. // She provides an exceptionally steady gun platform at all speeds and the parallel mounting proved thoroughly satisfactory. // I would submit to your notice that the success of the attack was due to the good judgement and skill of Flight Sun Lieutenant Leckie and that C.P.O. Whatling and Air Mechanic J.R. Laycock shewed considerable coolness and promptitude in attending to their duties during the action.
LECKIE, John Campbell Sergeant, No.150 Squadron, R133390 Distinguished Flying Medal RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
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LECKIE, Sergeant John Campbell (R133390) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.150 Squadron - Award effective 24 April 1943 as per London Gazette dated 21 May 1943 and AFRO 1247/43 dated 2 July 1943. Born 17 August 1922 at Penticton, British Columbia. Home in Osoyoos, British Columbia; enlisted in Vancouver, 9 October 1941 and posted that date to No.3 Manning Depot, Edmonton; to No.15 SFTS, Claresholm, 27 October 1941 (guard duty); to No.7 ITS, Saskatoon, 7 December 1941. Promoted LAC, 13 February 1942; to No.18 EFTS, Boundary Bay, 14 February 1942; to No.3 Manning Depot, Edmonton, 26 April 1942; to No.7 SFTS, Macleod, Alberta, 10 May 1942; promoted Sergeant, 28 August 1942. To ?Y? Depot, Halifax, 12 September 1942; to overseas, 24 September 1942; disembarked in Britain, 8 October 1942 and posted to No.3 PRC, Bournemouth; to No.19 (P) AFU, 19 October 1942; to No.21 OTU, 22 December 1942; to Air Despatch Unit, 11 March 1943; embarked for overseas, 14 March 1943; taken on strength of No.150 Squadron, 15 March 1943. Cited with P/O J.D. Aitchison (RAFVR, awarded DFC). Killed in action 30 April 1943 (Wellington HF700, returning from an operation in bad weather prevailing at base, crashed into mountain near Souma, Algiers, while searching for Blinda airfield), buried in North Africa. Others in crew were 134337 P/O J.D. Aitchison (navigator), 1334863 Sergeant M.T. Dilworth (WOPAG), Aus 423659 Sergeant K.A. Price (air bomber), 1457568 Sergeant G.T. Powell (air gunner). When killed he was reported to have flown 133 hours as captain on Wellingtons (74.25 by night), and 261 hours as captain on all types (90 at night). Medal presented to next-of-kin, 28 February 1946. One night in April 1943, Pilot Officer Aitchison and Sergeant Leckie were navigator and pilot of an aircraft detailed to bomb an enemy airfield. Whilst over the target area the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. One engine was disabled, the hydraulic system was rendered unserviceable, while serious leakage of petrol occurred. Despite this, Sergeant Leckie attempted to fly the aircraft to a landing ground, being greatly assisted by Pilot Officer Aitchison. It was impossible to maintain height, however, and Sergeant Leckie gave orders to abandon the aircraft but, by the time the other members of the crew had left by parachute, it was too late for him to follow. Nevertheless he succeeded in effecting a crash landing in a battle area. Pilot Officer Aitchison, who had descended safely, immediately rushed to his comrade\'s assistance. Although under enemy fire they took steps to prevent the crashed aircraft from falling into enemy hands. Both these members of aircraft crew displayed great courage and determination in harassing circumstances. NOTE: The original recommendation is in Public Record Office, Air 2/4967, drafted 14 April 1943 when he had flown seven sorties (30 operational hours); transcribed from Ian Tavender, The Distinguished Flying Medal Register for the Second World War (London, Savanah Publications, 2000). On the night of 11th April 1943, Sergeant Leckie was detailed to attack an aerodrome at St. Marie-du-Zit. While pressing home a successful attack from 3,000 feet, his aircraft was hit by flak. The starboard engine was disabled and all hydraulics put out of action and petrol was pouring out. Sergeant Leckie immediately set course for the nearest aerodrome in our lines but, being unable to maintain height, ordered the crew to jump. All did so but by that time it was too late for him to follow. He successfully landed the aircraft while under fire from the German lines. By his coolness and skill, Sergeant Leckie undoubtedly saved the lives of his crew and enabled them to get safely back to our lines. This Non-Commissioned Officer has now completed seven successful operations and has shown great promise as an operational pilot. I recommend him for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.
LECKIE, Robert Air Vice Marshall, AFHQ, Air Member for Training, C11922 Companion, Order of the Bath RCAF Personnel Awards 1939-1949
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LECKIE, A/V/M Robert, DSO, DSC, DFC (C11922) - Companion, Order of the Bath - AFHQ, Air Member for Training - Award effective 28 May 1943 as per London Gazette of that date, Canada Gazette dated 2 June 1943, and AFRO 1459/43 dated 30 July 1943. Born 16 May 1890 in Glasgow, Scotland. Came to Canada at age 16, working for an uncle in Toronto. Enrolled in RNAS, 1915 and won DSO, DSC and DFC, shooting down two Zeppelins and conducting more than 100 reconnaissance sorties into Heligoland Bight. Commanded CAF in England, 1918-1919. Returned to Canada and directed civilian flying operations under the Air Board; planned and initiated the Trans-Canada Flight of 1920. Returned to Britain in May 1922 where he was posted to the staff of No.1 School of Technical Training (Boys) at Halton. In September 1922 he went to Royal Naval Staff College for a course. Posted to Headquarters, Coastal Area, July 1923. Appointed to command the RAF unit aboard HMS Hermes (March 1926); appointed to HMS Courageous in rank of Wing Commander, 26 August 1927. Appointed RAF Director of Training in 1935; in 1938 made AOC Mediterranean, with headquarters at Malta. Loaned to RCAF as an Air Commodore, 1940, to assist establishing BCATP. Appointed to Air Council in November 1940; promoted to Air Vice-Marshal, 1942; transferred to RCAF, 1943. Chief of Air Staff, 1 January 1944 to 1 September 1947. Devoted much time to Air Cadet movement following retirement. Queen's Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953 (retired); died in Ottawa, 31 March 1975. Photos PL-2356 and PL-2361 taken 1940. Photo PL-35864A is a portrait. This officer, who had a very distinguished record in the Royal Air Force, was specially selected early in 1940 for posting to the Royal Canadian Air Force as Director of Training in Canada. He later became a member of Air Council and transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force. He brought with him a wealth of experience which has been most manifest during his untiring work in connection with the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the success of which is in no small measure due to his organizing ability and sound judgement. LECKIE, A/M Robert (C11922) - Grand Officers Cross of Polonia Restituta (Poland) - Award effective 1 May 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 212/46 dated 1 March 1946. LECKIE, A/M Robert, CB, DSO, DSC, DFC (C11922) - Commander, Legion of Merit (United States) - Air Force Headquarters - Award effective 18 June 1946 as per Canada Gazette dated 13 July 1946 and AFRO 726/46 dated 26 July 1946. Citation from letter, Colonel R.E.S. Williamson, Military Attache in Ottawa to W/C F.F. Lambert, 31 May 1946: Ministerial concurrence communicated to Williamson on 15 June 1946 (de Niverville award at same time). Air Marshal Robert Leckie, Royal Canadian Air Force, performed exceptionally meritorious service as representative on the Combined Committee on Air Training in North America from January to November 1943. As a member of this committee, he made outstanding contributions toward the improvement and standardisation of air training methods by the Royal Air Force, Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Services. Air Marshal Leckie’s wholehearted cooperation and personal vigour in the discharge of these duties further increased the effectiveness of the common effort of these Allied nations. Authority for this award was contained in a letter from the U.S. War Department to this office, dated 20 May 1946. It is requested that clearance be granted for this award and that authority be given for Air Marshal Leckie to accept this decoration. LECKIE, A/M Robert (C11922) - King Haakron VII's Cross of Liberation (Norway) - Award effective 12 June 1948 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 371/48 dated 11 June 1948. LECKIE, A/M Robert, CB, DSO, DSC, DFC (C11922) - Honourary Mexican Pilot's Wings - AFHQ - 14 September 1946 LECKIE, A/M Robert (C11922) - Commander of the Legion of Honour (France) - Award effective 12 September 1947 as per Canada Gazette dated 20 September 1947 and AFRO 485/47 dated 12 September 1947. External Affairs file “French Awards to Canadian Armed Forces - Particular Cases” (Library and Archives Canada, RG.25, Box 4140) has the following citation; he appears in a list of “Those Who Assisted in the Training of French Personnel in Canada”. Air Marshal Leckie, who succeeded Air Marshal Breadner as Chief of the Air Staff, during the period French personnel were undergoing training, contributed greatly to the welfare of these personnel. LECKIE, A/M Robert, CB, DSO, DSC, DFC (C11922) - Order of the White Lion, Class II (Czechoslovakia) - Award effective 5 October 1946 as per Canada Gazette of that date and AFRO 991/46 dated 18 October 1946. LECKIE, A/M Robert (C11922) - Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown (Belgium) - Canada Gazette dated 17 July 1948 and AFRO 455/48 dated 23 July 1948.
LECKIE, George Brown Sergeant, Rescue Unit, Vancouver, 21341 Air Force Medal CF Postwar Aviation Services
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LECKIE, Sergeant George Brown (21341) - Air Force Medal - Station Edmonton - Awarded as per Canada Gazette on 1 December 1951 and AFRO 798/51 dated 7 December 1951. Born in Winnipeg; received vocational training there; enlisted May 1940; served overseas with No.429 Squadron. and at No.63 Base, 1942-1945. Demobilized in 1945; rejoined February 1946. Telegram in DHist file 181.009 D.3411 (RG.24 Vol.20639) states this was "in recognition of outstanding gallantry and leadership displayed in the rescue of two civilian occupants of a Canadian aircraft which crashed in the American Rockies in May 1949." SE Technician. Awarded Queen's Coronation Medal, 23 October 1953 while at Station Edmonton. Public Relations release 8014 (4 December 1951) noted that his AFM exploit was the second award that year to RCAF Para-Rescue personnel (see Wright, BEM); teams were stationed at Vancouver, Whitehorse, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Churchill, Trenton, Greenwood, and Torbay. This year (1951) fifteen medical personnel (including four nurses) had graduated as jumpers after training at Edmonton and Jasper. Sergeant Leckie was the jump-master of the Royal Canadian Air Force para-rescue team detailed to carry out the rescue of two civilian occupants of a Canadian aircraft which crashed on Mount Hozomeen in the American Rockies, State of Washington, U.S.A., on 2nd May 1949. On his arrival over the scene of the crash, Sergeant Leckie assessed the situation, noting that the terrain in the area of the crash was particularly rugged, being heavily wooded, interlaced with deep gorges and studded with jagged rocks. Fully aware of the dangers involved in operations of this nature, he decided that the circumstances warranted the risk involved and that the para-rescue team should attempt a landing by parachute. The team made a successful descent and under the leadership of Sergeant Leckie, efficiently performed their arduous task of effecting the rescue from the heavily wooded mountainous terrain. Sergeant Leckie's display of leadership and gallantry were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force and have resulted in a high state of morale and confidence amongst his subordinates.
LECKIE
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R.C. J28502. The RAF members of the crew killed were Sgt.s R. Thomas, D. Armstrong, and C. Fieldhouse.
LECKIE
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ALBERT WORDIE FS(AG) R139393. From Folkston, Georgia, U.S.A. Killed Mar.10/43 age 25. #1659 Heavy Conversion Unit, RCAF Station, Leeming, Yorkshire. Halifax aircraft crashed. Please see Shives A.B. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner Leckie is buried in the Ripon Cemetery, Dishforth, Yorkshire, England.
LECKIE
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JOHN ALEXANDER FS(P) R99980. From Kinglake, Ontario. Killed In Action Jun.25/43 age 21. #126 Squadron (Foremost In Attack). Spitfire aircraft # B 5557 failed to return from operations. Flight Sergeant Pilot Leckie has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Malta War Memorial, Malta.
LECKIE
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JOHN CAMPBELL SGT(P) R133390 D.F.M. From Osoyoos, British Columbia. Killed In Action Apr.30/43 age 20. #150 Squadron (Aiei Anomen). Wellington aircraft # HF 700 crashed eight miles east of Blida near Sourna, Algeria. Four of the crew, not Canadians, were also killed. Sergeant Pilot Leckie is buried in the El Alia Cemetery, Algiers.
LECKIE
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JOHN LYLE F/O(BA) J38412//R175223. From Sarnia, Ontario. Killed In Action Dec.17/44 age 27. #153 Squadron (Noctividus). Target - Ulm, Germany. Please see Schopp H.H. for casualty list and flight detail. Flying Officer Bomb Aimer Leckie is buried in the Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery, Hautot-sur-Mar, France.
LECKIE
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NORMAN ABRAHAM FS(WAG) R79805. From Sheho, Saskatchewan. Killed In Action Apr.6/42 age 27. #407 Demon Squadron (To Hold On High). Hudson aircraft missing. Please see Lowry H.M. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Sergeant Wireless Operator Air Gunner Leckie has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.
LECKIE
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ROBERT CLARKE F/O(AG) J28502//R167508. From Portreeve, Saskatchewan. Killed In Action Jun.15/44 age 26. #115 Squadron (Despite The Elements), Witchford, Cambridgeshire, England. Lancaster aircraft # HK 550 missing from night operations over Valenciennes, France. P/O. O.P. Hughes and one RAF member of the crew were also killed. Two Canadians, F/O.s Morden and P. Anaka, of Steven, Saskatchewan, were Evaders. F/O. Allister G. Morden (RCAF rel) provided the following information, "We took off from Witchford carrying 14,000 lbs. of bombs and a reduced fuel load as our target was a shorter range than many. We dropped our bombs on target and turned for home, Pete began corkscrewing as we knew night fighters were around. Two of them saw us after many flares were dropped. They seemed to know our pattern of corckscrewing as one fighter hit us in the tail end and in the wing. As we dropped in our spiral the other fighter hit us with cannons and m/g fire from right behind. I'd fallen off my navigator seat on to the floor, the cannon shells missed me by inches but hit the FE, BA, and the WAG, all RAF. Sgt. Cyril Woodhouse, RAF, seemed to explode and was never found. I believe P/O. Hughes and Leckie were killed in the first attack seconds before. The ale seemed to disintegrate and I seemed to just fall out the bottom. F/O. Pete Anaka of Stenan, Saskatchewan got out the top and we both spent four months as Evaders before getting back to England. We were not allowed to do anymore flying but did stay in the RCAF for some 20 years post war. I am retired in Morden, Manitoba and Pete is in Saskatoon. Pete's two brothers were both missing in action as officers in the Canadian Army, one was killed and one was taken Prisoner Of War, three missing in action telegrams in the same month." Flying Officer Air Gunner Leckie is buried in the Oisy le Verger Cemetery, France.