Mr Arthur Leggett OAM was WA’s oldest and last surviving Army World War II prisoner of war. He first enlisted for military service in 1936, becoming part of the newly raised Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia, before joining the first World War II Australian Imperial Force (AIF) unit raised in WA, the 2/11th Battalion, 6th Division. It was here that he trained as a signaller responsible for crucial communications between companies and battalion headquarters in the Middle East. He served with distinction, fighting in Libya, Greece, and Crete. At the age of 22 he was captured by German forces following the Battle of Crete and he remained a prisoner of war in Europe for almost four years. He was a survivor of the infamous Lamsdorf Death March.
Through his work as President of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association WA, Mr Leggett dedicated much of his life after the war to ensuring that the sacrifices of serving men and women, as well as veterans, would be remembered for generations to come. A role he held for the last 29 years. He is survived by two daughters, six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
Military March
Prior to the service, there will be a military-led procession commencing at 9.40am from West Perth, down St Georges Terrace. Members of the public are welcome to line the St Georges Terrace route from Mill Street and follow behind the procession. Flanked by a gun carriage and the WA Army Band, the procession will conclude at St George’s Cathedral with a coordinated flyover by the Royal Australian Air Force.
Funeral Service
The Funeral Service will commence at 10.30am and will be broadcast live. Whilst seating inside the Cathedral is limited to family members and official mourners, a designated public viewing area will be available from 9.30am in Stirling Gardens (opposite St George’s Cathedral), for members of the public who wish to observe the live broadcast of both the march and service.
Map
Getting there
Regular public transport services will be operating, and public parking is available in the Perth CBD, however services near the procession route may be affected by road closures.
Road Closures
Contact
Enquiries can be directed to Protocol and State Events, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, telephone (08) 6552 6333 during business hours or click here to send an email.
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