Students and staff from Mount Lawley Senior High School have honoured the memory of ‘Lawley legend’, Arthur Leslie Leggett, with a special tribute following his passing in April.
Mr Leggett was West Australia’s oldest surviving ex-prisoner of war and bravely fought in World War II.
The school choir performed at Mr Leggett’s State Funeral service on May 10 at St George’s Cathedral. The choir, comprised of 18 students and three staff, performed ‘Abide with Me’, one of Mr Leggett’s favourite hymns.
For 29 years, Mr Leggett was a regular and welcome presence at Mount Lawley Senior High School. His visits went beyond ceremonial appearances; they were powerful moments of connection between history and the hearts of students.
Whether speaking in history classrooms, addressing the school at assemblies, or attending the annual Ex-Prisoner of War (POW) service, Mr Leggett brought Australia’s wartime history to life with honesty, courage, and a storyteller’s grace.
During a reflection delivered at the family’s private funeral service, Principal from Mt Lawley Senior High School, Lesley Street, said Mr Legett’s talks would usually bring 2,000 students to complete silence.
“Not just out of respect, but out of deep engagement and admiration,” Ms Street said.
Mr Leggett’s deep connection with the school was formally recognised in 2017 when he was inducted into the ‘Lawley Legends’ Hall of Fame, becoming the only non-alumnus to ever receive that honour.
A year later, to mark his 100th birthday, the school renamed its library the ‘Arthur Leggett OAM Library’, ensuring his name would remain central to the school’s commitment to learning and remembrance.
“He loved talking to our students and over the years he has inspired thousands of young people, at many of our assemblies,” Ms Street said.
“Mr Leggett will forever remain a part of Mount Lawley Senior High School.
“His legacy woven into the culture of the school and the values it seeks to instil in every student: service, resilience, and the importance of remembering those who came before us.”
To recognise the personal loss felt by Mr Leggett’s family, identical framed tributes will be presented to his daughters, Maureen and Sue, at a special ceremony and morning tea hosted at the school.
