The forgotten fleet

Image: Defence Australia | WWII veteran Len McLeod

In honour of Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day, 97-year-old Queensland veteran Len McLeod joined RSL Queensland’s South Eastern District to commemorate the day that marked the end of the Second World War for Australians 78 years ago. 

Len’s action-packed service history began at the formative age of 15 when he joined the Australian Imperial Force – following in the footsteps of his father who had served in Gallipoli and on the Western Front during World War I. 

Determined to fulfill his duty to his country and to his family, Len enlisted four times during the war – signing up under four unique enlistment numbers and three different names.

“It was a time when all my mates were being called up to serve – the war had broken out in 1939, and after Singapore fell, the Japanese were streaming down the coast into New Guinea,” Len said.

“I was the youngest of the group who were planning to join the Army, but we were all about the same height, and I thought I’d see if I could go along with them. 

“We lined up at the recruiting office in Footscray. I was thrown out a few times but kept going back with different names until I eventually got away with it.”

Len as a young man in his Army uniform 

Telling his mother that he was headed for Queensland to join the Home Guard, Len instead set out for Brisbane to undertake Jungle Warfare Training with the first intake at Canungra before setting sail for New Guinea.

“I spent my first night in Port Moresby in a slit trench whilst a Japanese air raid took place… I could hear the bombs dropping as they came over the top of us,” Len recalled.

“After some time in field, they were calling for volunteers to service on the ‘Biscuit Bombers’ and I put my hand up – even though I’d never stepped foot in an aircraft before.” 

Len’s new role involved dropping supplies from the air to the ground below, given it was not possible for soldiers to carry all the necessary supplies on foot through the jungle.  

However, after some time had passed and the death of two of his best mates left him shaken, Len transferred back to the Infantry. He went on to serve with the 2/7th Battalion at Wau and Buna before coming down with dengue fever and dysentery, ultimately leading to his medical discharge.  

Whilst in recovery, he was shooting rabbits with a mate at his home in Victoria when his friend ironically shot him in the hip and legs by accident – ruling out any prospects of re-joining the Army.  

Later, at the age of 18, Len enlisted in the US Army Small Ships and witnessed one of the largest naval battles the world had ever seen.  

Len moved between postings and ultimately ended up on board the Armand Considere as part of what was known as ‘Mission X’, a section primarily made up of Australians who were considered too old, too young, or medically unfit to serve in the Armed Forces during the war.  

“A key part of our role was to deliver essential supplies to other forces in the south-west Pacific – from weapons and ammunition, to food, building materials and medical supplies,” Len said.  

“We’d also facilitate many logistical tasks like transporting soldiers, repatriating those who were wounded or killed, guarding and removing prisoners – often sailing at night and taking cover during the day.” 

After the war, Len served in China to support the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, returning to Australia in 1946 and working on the oil rigs in Bass Strait.

Over the years, Len has passionately pursued peacekeeping endeavours and is now devoted to shining a light on Small Ships veterans who were part of the ‘forgotten fleet’ – his own service not officially recognised until 75 years after the war.  

In July 2020, Len was presented with the 1939-45 Star at a small local ceremony – a medal which recognises the bravery and sacrifice of those who served afloat with the United States Army Small Ships Section. 

Small Ships veterans like Len have finally been recognised for their service

However, Len says that many were not afforded the recognition they deserved, as the eligibility of Small Ships veterans was not officially recognised until 2010 and the records were often lost or insufficient.  

This Victory in the Pacific Day, Len is calling on Queenslanders to honour all who served in Australia’s World War II efforts and spare a thought for those who never received recognition for their service. 

RSL Queensland South Eastern District President Kerry Gallagher is also encouraging the community to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Pacific.  

“This day is an important opportunity to reflect and call attention to those who were instrumental in Australia’s efforts during the Second World War,” Mr Gallagher said. 

On Saturday 12 August, the RSL Queensland South Eastern District held a commemorative event to recognise the invaluable contributions of those who served in the Pacific during World War II.     

*Sadly Len McLeod passed away in March 2024. We extend our condolences to Len's family and all who knew him.

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