Graham Leggett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Percival Graham Leggett
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|
|---|---|
| Born | 14 February 1921 |
| Died | 26 May 2013 (aged 92) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1958 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
Percival Graham Leggett (born 14 February 1921 – died 26 May 2013) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force, often called the RAF. He was a Squadron Leader, which is a mid-level officer rank in the air force. He was also one of the youngest pilots to survive the famous Battle of Britain during World War II.
Contents
Joining the Royal Air Force
Percival Graham Leggett joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in June 1939. This was just before World War II officially began. He started as a pilot trainee, learning how to fly military aircraft.
He was called up for active duty on 1 September 1939. This was the very day the war started in Europe. He finished his training and joined No. 5 Operational Training Unit in September 1940. During his training, he had a small plane crash on 18 September, but he was not hurt.
Flying in World War II
After his training, Leggett quickly joined different RAF squadrons. These are groups of planes and pilots that work together. He was first sent to No. 615 Squadron RAF. Soon after, he moved to No. 245 Squadron RAF and then to No. 46 Squadron RAF in October 1940.
Battle of Britain Missions
During the Battle of Britain, which was a huge air battle over the UK, Leggett showed great courage. On 11 November, he likely destroyed an enemy plane called a Fiat BR.20. He also helped destroy another one.
Fighting in Malta and North Africa
In late 1940, Leggett moved to No. 145 Squadron RAF. Then, he joined No. 96 Squadron RAF when it was formed in December 1940. In June 1941, he went to Malta, a small island that was very important during the war. There, he joined No. 249 Squadron RAF.
On 17 July, he shot down an enemy plane called a Macchi C.200. Later, on 21 December 1941, his own plane was shot down by enemy fighters. He had to parachute out of his plane. He landed safely but had some minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. After recovering, he joined No. 73 Squadron in North Africa in October 1942. He stayed there until August 1943.
Life After the War
When Percival Graham Leggett returned to the United Kingdom, he took on different roles. He became an Adjutant, which is an administrative officer, at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsay. After that, he served in Ceylon, which is now known as Sri Lanka.
In 1949, he became the Commanding Officer (CO) of 32 Squadron. He flew de Havilland Vampire jets from Cyprus. This shows how aviation technology changed after the war.
Graham Leggett retired from the Royal Air Force on 23 May 1958. He held the rank of Squadron Leader when he left the service.
Later Years and Legacy
Percival Graham Leggett passed away peacefully on 26 May 2013, at the age of 92. His funeral was held on 12 June. Important people attended, including Air Vice Marshal Carl Dixon, who represented the Prince of Wales. Air Chief Marshal Stephen Dalton, a very senior officer in the RAF, sent a letter to Leggett's family to express his sadness.
