Climie, Leslie

Lieutenant Leslie Climie - 1st Squadron Australian Flying Corps

Leslie Climie (on left of photo) was an Assistant Surveyor from Fremantle when he enlisted in the AIF in January 1915. His step father was the Norwegian Consul for WA.

After enlistment, Climie was assigned to the 10^th Light Horse Regiment and served with them at Gallipoli. In 1916 and 1917 in Egypt and Palestine he served with 1^st and 2^nd Field Squadron Engineers and joined 1^st Squadron Australian Flying Corps in July 1918. He flew several missions with the Squadron with the most noteworthy event happening on 19^th September 1918.

With the Turkish and German forces retreating from the desert, they came to a narrow canyon. With steep hills on either side, the enemy troops were forced to retire down this narrow road and the British and Australian planes took full advantage to inflict damage. Lt Climie’s plane was flying low shooting up the rear of the Turkish column when his machine was hit by ground fire. Managing to land Climie was detained by Turkish troops but pursuing British cavalry soon rescued him and he was soon up flying again. Climie returned to Western Australia in March 1919 and later went to live in the United States.

Leslie Climie died on the 6th June 1968.