Australia’s last remaining World War II prisoner of war has died

@JudyEv (353170)
Rockingham, Australia
May 10, 2025 1:58am CST
Australia’s last remaining World War II prisoner of war, Arthur Leggett, has died in Perth, Western Australia. He was aged 106. Born in 1918, Arthur first enlisted in 1936. He was a survivor of the Lamsdorf Death March to Munich. This group were forced to cross the Czech Alps in the midst of the European winter. They travelled the 800 kilometres, through heavy snow, covering 15 to 25 kms a day and scrounging whatever food they could. Even when the prisoners of war were liberated by American forces, their troubles weren’t over. After boarding a plane to fly to England, it crashed after a wheel fell off. Arthur Leggett was given a state funeral. A riderless horse, with boots reversed in the stirrups, led the march. The soldiers following took one step for every kilometre that Arthur marched on the journey to Munich. The service concluded with a flyover by the Royal Australian Air Force. And so another great soldier who fought for our freedom has been laid to rest. The photo is of the first war cemetery that we came across when we were touring Europe in 2015.
14 people like this
10 responses
10 May
R.I.P. Arthur Legget.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 May
He was given a great send-off. Thousands turned out to line the streets.
1 person likes this
10 May
@JudyEv He deserved and earned a great send off. Thanks to him and millions of others like him we were saved.crom German and Japanese tyranny.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (145471)
• India
11 May
I have noticed those who go through 'hell' live longer
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 May
Maybe. I need to take more notice.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (189276)
• United States
11 May
Glad he made it through and lived a long life.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 May
He did really well. He used to visit schools talking about his experiences.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (74549)
• United States
11 May
God rest his soul. Salute, sir, and thank you.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 May
They went through so much and, of course, many still do.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (43527)
• United States
11 May
That is so sad, isn't it.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 May
There were thousands lining the streets to see him off which was very moving.
1 person likes this
@Ronrybs (20541)
• London, England
10 May
It is very important we remember those who gave so much for us today.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 May
It's good that their sacrifices are remembered. It was thought that Anzac Day would die out here but it gets bigger and bigger each year. Certainly, we need to remember.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (47853)
• India
10 May
It is a great way in which such soldiers are revered. While war is not the answer to every solution, sometimes it gets enforced on to some nations. Or it becomes a necessity. So did he spent his last years in Australia only?
1 person likes this
@psanasangma (7437)
• India
10 May
May his soul rest in peace!!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 May
After all his efforts, I'm sure it will.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (115913)
• Marion, Ohio
10 May
He had a long life. Rest in peace
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 May
A long and eventful life for sure.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (188481)
• United States
10 May
May he rest in peace. Being 106 I can imagine all he's seen over the years.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (353170)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 May
He used to visit schools a lot and talk to them about wartime.
1 person likes this