Subject

N. Africa

Text

Immortality: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain.

Inscription

Killed on active service Libya July 1941 Pilot Officer Stephen John Leach 73 Squadron R.A.F.

Description & History

Following a similar composition to the other aisle windows, the Royal Air Force badge was placed near the top of the window, the emblem of 'Immortality' (Alpha and Omega symbols within a circle formed by a winged serpent eating its own tail) and the squadron badge with its motto 'totor et ultor' ('protector and avenger') set below the text within the olive leaf and fruit borders.

Stephen Leach, eldest son of SE and Gertrude Leach, attended Trinity College at the University of Melbourne where he completed an Arts degree with Honours in 1937. After a brief period on the staff of Tudor House School, Moss Vale NSW, Leach entered the Colonial Service and was posted to Tanganyika on the Congo border. He was released from his Colonial duties for service in the King's African Rifles where his knowledge of the Swahili language was invaluable. He transferred to the RAF and flew with 213 Squadron as Pilot Officer in many African campaigns. He was flying a hurricane from 73 Squadron in the Middle East when he was posted missing in action on 7 July 1941 after taking off from Amiriya to strafe Gambut aerodrome. He is commemorated at Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery, Egypt.

References & Acknowledgements

James Affleck, Geelong Grammarians at World War Two, The Old Geelong Grammarians Incorporated, Corio, 2002, pp.44-45; The Corian, May 1942; Don Minterne, 'The History of 73 Squadron Part 2 (November 1940-September 1943)'; Argus, 12 May 1942, p.2.