LEACH Gladys Gwen nee Buck
Born: 24 May 1919 Mount Gambier, South Australia
Died: 9 March 1945 Mount Gambier, South Australia
Parents: John Edward Heinrich Buck, Elsie Adelaide Atkin
Siblings: Violet Jean, Peter Edward Thomas Henry.
Gwen as she was known, grew up in the Moorak area and attended the local school where she actively participated in school events. Gwen was a keen tennis player and won several trophies playing in both Moorak and Mount Gambier.
Shortly after her 21st birthday Gwen left Mount Gambier for Melbourne where she undertook a twelve-month course in welfare nursing at “Kildonan” and then she worked as a Munitions worker. On the 11 March 1942 she enlisted with the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force at the rank of Aircraftwoman. Around June 1944 Gwen received a transfer to the Wireless/Telegraphic station in Adelaide before marrying Sgt Colin Hedley Leach of Minyip Victoria at the Methodist Church Mount Gambier on 14 August 1944. Following her marriage Gwen received her discharge from the Air Force on 30 August 1944.
Unfortunately, luck was not with this couple as after a short illness Gwen died on 9 March 1945 in Mount Gambier. Following her death Colin was transferred to 1WAGS unit stationed at Ballarat. He was admitted to No 6 RAAF hospital on 23 August 1945 and died on 9 September 1945. He was buried with full military honours in the Springvale Cemetery in Melbourne on 11 September 1945.
Sources:
Mount Gambier Border Watch
Obituary: Tuesday 27 March 1945 page 5
News of the Forces: Saturday 22 July 1944 page 1
Approaching Marriage: Saturday 12 August 1944 page 4
Deaths: Saturday 10 March 1945 page 4
Death of Sgt Colin Leach: Saturday 15 September 1945 page 1
Department of Veterans Affairs: World War Two Service Certificate: Gladys Gwen Buck
GenealogySA: Birth registrations – children of John and Elsie Buck
