| Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO, RAN |
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|---|---|
| Born | 17 July 1928 (age 83) Perth, Western Australia |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Royal Australian Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1988 |
| Rank | Vice Admiral |
| Commands held | Chief of the Naval Staff HM Australian Fleet HMAS Perth HMAS Hobart |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of Australia Commander of the Order of the British Empire Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order |
Vice Admiral David Willoughby Leach AC, CBE, LVO (17 July 1928 – ) was a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy, who served as Chief of the Naval Staff from 1982 to 1985.
Leach was born on 17 July 1928 in Perth, Western Australia. Aged thirteen, he entered the Royal Australian Naval College in January 1942.[1]
Leach commanded the guided missile destroyers HMAS Hobart and HMAS Perth during the Vietnam War[2] for which he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1969.[3] In 1970 he managed naval liaison for the Royal Visit to Australia for which he was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.[4]
He was appointed Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet in 1979 and Chief of the Naval Staff in 1982.[2] He was made a Companion of the Order of Australia in June 1984,[5] and retired in 1985.[2]
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Vice Admiral Sir James Willis |
Chief of the Naval Staff 1982 – 1985 |
Succeeded by Vice Admiral Michael Hudson |
| Preceded by Rear Admiral James Willis |
Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet 1979 – 1980 |
Succeeded by Rear Admiral Peter Doyle |
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