Leith, James

Collection relating to the Second World War service of NX172359 Tooper (Tpr) James Leith who served with 2/10 Commando Squadron, as part of 2/6 Cavalry Commando Regiment, until he was killed in action in New Guinea on 30 June 1945. Comprises two Christmas cards (one is a photocopy) sent by Tpr Leith to his family, a copy of a black and white photogaph of Tpr James in uniform, and two condolence letters written to his parents by commanding officers after his death. One condolence letter was dated 14 July 1945 and is a typed copy of a one page letter sent to Mrs Leith by NX438 Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Lancelot Rickard writing to express his sympathy '...on behalf of the officers and men of this Regiment [2/6 Aust Cav (Commando) Reg]. The second condolence letter is dated 27 July 1945 and was handwritten to Mr Leith by NX12295 Captain (Capt) Douglas Gordon Boyd who had been in command of 2/10 Commando Squadron at the time of Tpr Leith's death. In his 3 page letter, Capt Boyd provides details of the circumstances of Tpr Leith's death, burial at Boiken, New Guinea, and commented that he '...died a real soldier's death - courageously in action'.