From time to time when writing Anzac stories, one comes across some little-known events that have never received the accolades that are due to them for their courage and commitment to the nation during World War II. One case was brought to my attention when talking to Warwick couple, Barry and Denise West recently, about the heroism of Denise’s father Leonard Roy McLeod, and his work with the United States Small Ships Association from 1942 to 1947. A short history of this group of heroes is told on the web site which went like this:
“Over 3300 Australian men and one woman served in the United States Army Small Ships Section 1942–47. Their service contributed to victory in the Pacific theatre of war but their recognition for this service was no forthcoming until 2009–10 when the Australian Government recommended Imperial Campaign Awards for these veterans and the United States Army inducted them Into the US Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame.
“Many of these men were recommended for bravery awards, due mainly to the delay in recognition none were ever forthcoming, many who served in support roles may never be officially recognised yet faced enemy attacks on a daily basis”.
On 15 October 2024, Denise and Barry West have accepted an invitation to attend the 80th anniversary of the US Army Small Ships Association to be held at Leyte, Philippines, on 20 October 2024.
It will be on the beach where General Douglas MacArthur honoured his pledge when he told them “I shall return”.
It is also to pay tribute to, and honour Denise’s father Leonard, who bravely served with this unit in those dark days of World War II.
This is the extraordinary story of a very brave and dedicated soldier/sailor who played a decisive part in this small, but very important unit that was the supply line to the transport of ammunition and equipment to troops in General MacArthur’s Battle of the Philippines in World War II.
Here is just a small part of Leonard Roy McLeod’s story.
Leonard McLeod was born in Footscray, Victoria, in 1926, the son of John Leopold and Ruby McLeod. His father John had served in the 1st AIF and was part of the Gallipoli landing in 1915 before being gassed in France and died from complications when Len was only five years of age.
This put a great strain on Ruby in the Depression years. Len was a “knock about” kid growing up in a Soldier Settlement house where he completed his education at Footscray North Primary School and left school at 14 to try to help Ruby and the family.
When World War II broke out, Len was determined to do his part, so, at the early age of 15 he along with a few mates, told the enlistment officer at Royal Park that he was 21 years and eligible for service.
Having fooled the recruiting officer partly because of his height and mature look, Len was signed on and posted to the 34th Training Battalion at Watsonia Barracks. Here, he ran into discipline problems of a minor nature before his mother had notified the authorities of his age and so he was sent home.
Undeterred, Len, a few weeks later, went to the recruiting office and this time he once again deceived them and was soon on a train to Townsville after undergoing training at Canungra Barracks. From here, he sailed on board HMAT “Katoomba” to Port Moresby.
While in New Guinea, Len was involved in jungle patrols around Buna and like all diggers suffered from various tropical ailments and was hospitalized at Wu. It was here that Len followed up a request for volunteers to serve with the RAAF as aircraft dispatchers affectionately known as “Biscuit Bombers”.
Len volunteered and was one of 18 selected for this unit. Working in pairs the volunteers were allocated to a squadron of nine Douglas C-47’s dropping supplies and ammunition to American troops and allies.
They became known as “Biscuit Bombers”. It was a hazardous occupation as these planes were not designed for combat and parachute drops and had to undergo low flying which would come under ground fire.
So, after a few months Len realized the dangers involved in these low runs and so returned to the 2/6th doing regular patrols. He eventually developed symptoms of dysentery and dengue fever, so was repatriated back to Australia. It was here that Len’s mother intervened and had him medically discharged after he recovered from an accidental hunting accident.
Not one to give up his service to his country, Len took up work with a coal ship SS “Olga Topic” and quickly learnt the skills of a fireman undertaking strenuous work on the trips between Melbourne and Newcastle. It was when another seaman questioned why he was not working with the Yanks that he learnt about an opportunity to return to New Guinea.
Len immediately travelled to Sydney’s MacArthur’s Headquarters in the Grace Brother’s building and applied to join the newly created US Army Small Ships Unit for service in the Philippines.
He served on board S-147 “Bopple” and later, USAT “Armand Considere where he was to experience the sight of Tokyo and the devastation of the Japanese population, which left an indelible impression for the rest of his life.
Early in 1946 Len’s contract expired and he returned home to Footscray and resumed family life with his mother and siblings.
In 1949 Len met and married Muriel Emily Lawrence where they had two daughters, Suzanne and Denise. For the rest of his life Len dedicated his time to the promotion of the U.S. small Ships Association while working in Foundries, the Country Fire Authority, and as a Rigger building silos and signal towers.
Len could turn his hand to anything. He was very deeply concerned about social justice issues and played a strong role in the ending of capital punishment when he led protests against the Bolte Government.
He fought hard for recognition of the heroes of the US Small Ships Association and their entitlements. This resulted in the Australian Government recommended Imperial awards and the United States Army inducting them into the US Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame.
In conclusion, this short story only highlights a small part of the life of a true Australian patriot who never asked for anything other than to serve his country in its time of need. Len, apart from his campaign medals was honoured with the U.S. Army Commendation for Bravery and Dedication, the Philippines Liberation Medal and the US Army Congressional Medal for US Small Ships.
Len was hopeful of attending the 80th anniversary in the Philippines but sadly passed away on 26 March 2024, and now lies at rest in Yarram Cemetery – a brave heart gone and most certainly a man for all seasons.
