Last week we introduced you to the annual project, which sees Finley High School’s Year 10 history students research a family member or local individual who served in either World War I or World War II.
This meaningful project allows students to connect with personal stories and develop a deeper understanding of the past through the lens of real lives and experiences.
This week we share the research project from Ruby Neessen, who chose Leading Aircraftman Leslie Thomas Martin.
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Leslie Thomas Martin was born on October 6, 1919 in Jerilderie, a country town known for being a small farming community on the south side of the Riverina.
Leslie grew up in the period between World War I and World War II, which meant that throughout his early life, he was exposed to many Australian soldiers who fought for Australia in World War I, perhaps leading to his decision to enlist in the second World War.
Before Leslie enlisted, he worked on a farm and also was a boot repairer. These jobs were very useful in rural towns like Jerilderie and Ardlethan, where he grew up.
Leslie's home address when he enlisted was Warri St, Ardlethan, a town just two hours north of Jerilderie where he was born.
His next of kin was Sybil Mary James, who was Leslie's wife.
They got married on March 29, 1941 in Sydney.
Sybil's maiden name was James but changed to Martin after marriage. Sybil was born on September 1, 1925 and died at the age of 67 on July 24, 1993.
Leslie enlisted at the No. 2 recruiting centre in Sydney on June 3, 1940 at the age of 20 years and seven months. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Leslie was 5ft 7in, 136 lbs (61.6kg). His chest measurements were 34 inches (36 inches expanded). His vision in both eyes scored a six out of six.
His complexion was fair; he had blue eyes and brown hair. He also had no scars, wounds, or marks on his body.
At the time he enlisted, the war was starting to spread all over the world and was creating more and more conflict.
The young men in his generation were very committed to joining the war and fighting for their country. Leslie’s service number was #15548.
Leslie was then posted with the 1 Reserve Personnel Pool on November 12, 1942, this was posted at the RAAF base Garbutt in Townsville, Queensland at the ‘weir’.
He helped with bomb loading, and he also helped with constructing new campsites for all the Australian soldiers.
This unit was a space to hold and train awaiting airmen.
The area got flooded with immense rainfall, so Leslie and the team packed up and moved in December 1942, to Aitkenvale which is just out of Townsville.
Before this, he was in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) where he spent two years before moving to his final posting, the 1 Reserve Personnel Pool.
While Leslie wasn't in the direct war, he played a major role in the deployment of many other soldiers to areas such as the Northern Territory and New Guinea.
The 1 Reserve Personnel Pool unit also supported many soldiers in the front line, supplying them with ammunition and bombs, manpower, food, building materials, and support.
Townsville was the place Leslie mainly worked, and he was there during the threat of the Japanese air raids, which was a very important strategic part of the war.
He and the crew he was with helped balance the strength of Australia's air force across the war.
Leslie passed away on March 11, 2009.
He was 89 years old, and he was buried at Woronora Memorial Park in Sutherland, a suburb south of Sydney.
He left behind an immense amount of commitment and service to our country.