Groups and Single Decorations for Gallantry


On 20 September 1943, Leigh was posted to 129 Squadron. Initially flying Spitfire IXb’s, he took part in numerous operations over Northern France, before a relatively quiet period in early 1944. Whist with this squadron, he flew a most interesting Spitfire; it is well known that during the War, donations were made by the public for the purchase of aircraft. However, the lot includes three original 1944 letters to and from Leigh thanking the people of Machkos and Meru, Kenya, for the donation of a Spitfire named “Kamba-Meru”, that Leigh flew with 129 Squadron. In one letter Leigh tells of sorties and attacks he has made in this aircraft and of a combat with a F. W.190.


In April 1944, the squadron converted to Mustang III’s, taking part in his first offensive operation in this type on 26 April, when he strafed a train. During May, operations increased, Leigh claiming various ground vehicles damaged. On D-Day, 6th June 1944, Leigh escorted the Airborne Division to the beachhead and throughout the rest of the month, took part in various bombing and strafing attacks, leading his squadron on several occasions and making numerous claims. On 22 June he was shot down for a second time, his Mustang being hit by Flak and he was forced to land near St Mere Eglise; though he was back in action two days later. July 1944 started in the vein before moving on to ‘Buzz bomb’ (V1 rocket) hunting, something that would occupy much of the next two months and during which Leigh would shoot down two over the Channel. Having been Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in September, that month he was involved in a large number of escort flights over the Ruhr and Holland, including Glider force escorts and operations over Arnhem.


Leigh’s last operational flights in the months of October to December 1944 consisted of a large number of Bomber escorts flights and sweeps over targets in Germany; many over the Ruhr, Cologne, Munster, Frankfurt, Dortmund &c. Also noted are two Dambuster escorts on 4 and 8 December 1944: during the former, Leigh had engine failure and crash landed near Colchester. On leaving the Squadron, the squadron leader wrote in his logbook ‘Very sorry to see you go Joe, No one can take your place either in the Squadron or in my regard.’


Leigh’s final tally of claims on Mustang III’s was: 26 April 1944 – Train hit


20 May 1944 – Ammunition train hit (overturned) 22 May 1944 – 1 train damaged 2 June 1944 – 1 barge damaged


7 June 1944 – 2 Lorries destroyed, 3 damaged, 4 A.F.V’s damaged and a staff car destroyed 8 June 1944 – 3 Lorries damaged 10 June 1944 – 1 Truck damaged 20 June 1944 – Tank and truck damaged 27 July 1944 – 1 V1 ‘Buzz bomb’ destroyed over sea 28 August 1944 – 1 V1 ‘Buzz bomb’ destroyed over sea


On completing his second tour in December, Leigh went on a gunnery course to R.A.F. Catfoss and afterwards became an instructor. In December 1945 he was released from the Royal Air Force with the rank of Squadron Leader. In later life he started a successful architectural hardware business in Norwich. He attended many Battle of Britain reunions and other events, and died on 3 July 2004, aged 84.


Sold with the recipient’s Royal Air Force Pilot’s Log Book, detailing all flights between 8 September 1940 and 10 December 1945; an original photograph of Leigh as a Sergeant Pilot, circa 1940, and another of him in the cockpit of a Spitfire; various Battle of Britain related reunion invitations &c., and copied research and newspaper cuttings.


For the recipient’s related miniature awards, see Lot 808.


www.dnw.co.uk all lots are illustrated on our website and are subject to buyers’ premium at 24% (+VAT where applicable)


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