11 Facts About Leighton Bracegirdle

Leighton Seymour Bracegirdle was born in Balmain, Sydney, on 31 May 1881.

Leighton Bracegirdle attended Sydney Boys High School, in 1898 he joined the New South Wales Naval Brigade as a cadet.

Leighton Bracegirdle returned to Australia after being wounded and continued to serve in the naval militia while working as a clerk.

Leighton Bracegirdle married Lillian Saunders in 1910 and in 1911 joined the Royal Australian Navy as a lieutenant, serving as District Officer in Newcastle until the beginning of the First World War.

Leighton Bracegirdle's unit performed well under relentless shrapnel fire and remained at Suvla, where Bracegirdle was wounded, until the end of the campaign.

Leighton Bracegirdle was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in June 1916 and received his third Mention in Despatches in July of that year.

Between 1918 and 1921, Leighton Bracegirdle was a District Naval Officer in Adelaide.

Leighton Bracegirdle was appointed Military and Official Secretary to the Governor-General in 1931.

Leighton Bracegirdle's posting spanned the tenure of three governors-general.

Leighton Bracegirdle remained at his post to assist the Administrator of the Commonwealth Sir Winston Dugan while a replacement Official Secretary was found.

Leighton Bracegirdle retired from the Navy having attained the rank of rear admiral.