Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War 1944 ‘Aegean operations’ submariner’s D.S.M. group of six awarded to Petty Officer Telegraphist L. Leadbetter, Royal Navy, for service with H.M.S. Unswerving on war patrols in the Aegean, March - October 1944, during which time she accounted for the sinking of at least 7 vessels

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (P.O. Tel. L. Leadbetter. P/JX.138746); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, copy clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (6) £1,000-£1,400

D.S.M. London Gazette 19 June 1945:

‘For gallantry, tenacity and undaunted devotion to duty in patrols in the Aegean area throughout one of the most dangerous periods of the war in the Mediterranean.’

Leslie Leadbetter was a native of Prescott, Lancashire. He served during the Second War as a Petty Officer Telegraphist with H.M.S. Unswerving (submarine), and was awarded his D.S.M. for serving during war patrols in the Mediterranean, March - October 1944. The latter, commanded by Temporary Lieutenant M. D. Tattersall, R.N.V.R., joined the 1st Submarine Flotilla at Malta, 11 March 1944, and set off to patrol the south-west Aegean four days later. Over the course of the next seven months she carried out a number of war patrols over various parts of the Aegean, and sank at least seven vessels, including the German tanker Bertha about 10 nautical miles south of the Kassandra peninsula, Greece. The tanker had been travelling in convoy from Pireaus to Saloniki.

Leadbetter was invested with his D.S.M. at Buckingham Palace, 20 November 1945.