Flight Lieutenant Colin Russell Leith
Service Number: 411790Description
Flight Lieutenant Colin Russel Leith enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in Sydney, New South Wales on 25 May 1941. He first began training courses in New South Wales, Australia. He continued his training in Camp Borden, Canada where he graduated to Pilot on 27 February 1942. On 28 March 1942, Flight Lieutenant Leith was posted to England, where he served with 453 Squadron. After completing further training he served as a Pilot Gunnery Instructor for the 57 Operational Training Unit from December 1943 to June 1944. On 25 July 1944, after completing successful air operations over Lisieux-Orbec, France, Flight Lieutenant Leith’s aircraft ran out of fuel and was forced to land in enemy territory. He spent a month fleeing toward the Allies, hiding out in safe houses with the aid of French Resistance personnel and civilians, until his liberation by Canadian troops in August. He reported back to the 453 Squadron in England on 25 August 1944, and continued service in France and England until his return to Australia on 31 August 1945. He was award the Distinguished Flying Cross on 26 January 1945. Flight Lieutenant Leith was discharged on 15 October 1945.
Details
First name/s
Colin Russell
Last name
Leith
Service Number
411790
Final rank
Flight Lieutenant
Date of Birth
05/05/1922
Place of Birth
Date of Enlistment
25/05/1941
Date of Death
22/05/2010
Place of Death
Ranks held
Conflicts
Units
Service
Places
Tags and Groups
Rolls
| Roll Type | Unit | Rank | Conflict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honours and Awards | No. 453 Squadron | Flying Officer | Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Honours and Awards (Recommendation) | Second World War, 1939-1945 |
Gazettes
Commonwealth Gazette
- 8 February 1945
London Gazette
- 26 January 1945
Timeline
- 05/05/1922
- Date of birth
- 25/05/1941
- Date of enlistment
- 15/10/1945
- Date of discharge
- 22/05/2010
- Date of death
