Sir William Watt Leggatt, DSO, MC, ED (23 December 1894 – 27 November 1968) was an Australian soldier, lawyer and politician. He served as commanding officer of the 2/40th Battalion and later Sparrow Force during the Second World War, fighting in Timor against the Japanese invasion in 1942. He was captured by the Japanese and sent to Changi Prison in Singapore. Following the war, he was based in Melbourne in charge of war crimes investigation until 1946. In 1948 he was elected to the Victorian parliament. He died in 1968 and was accorded a state funeral.

Sir William Leggatt
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly
for Mornington
In office
8 November 1947 – 3 February 1956
Preceded byAlfred Kirton
Succeeded byRoberts Dunstan
Personal details
Born(1894-12-23)23 December 1894
Malekula, New Hebrides
Died27 November 1968(1968-11-27) (aged 73)
Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
Resting placeSpringvale Botanical Cemetery
NationalityAustralian
Political partyLiberal and Country Party
Spouse
Dorothy Meares Andrews
(m. 1926)
Alma materUniversity of Melbourne
ProfessionBarrister and solicitor
Military service
AllegianceAustralia
Branch/serviceAustralian Imperial Force
Citizens Military Force
Years of service1915–1919
1934–1946
RankLieutenant Colonel
CommandsSparrow Force
2/40th Battalion
Battles/warsFirst World War
Second World War
AwardsKnight Bachelor
Distinguished Service Order
Military Cross
Mentioned in Despatches (2)

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References

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Victorian Legislative Assembly
Preceded by Member for Mornington
1947–1956
Succeeded by
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by Agent-General for Victoria
1956–1964
Succeeded by