EUSTACE Leslie Franklin

1151 Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand

OBITUARY

1151 EUSTACE Leslie Franklin

It is with sadness that I have to report the death of Frontiersman Les EUSTACE, Pnr, who passed the great divide on May the 3rd 1994, at the age of 84 years.  Les joined the Legion on 20 June 1951.  As a member of Ohawe Troop then part of ‘Z’ Squadron, the then OC saw the leadership that Les had, with the result that he soon rose to become Squadron Adjutant with the rank of Lieutenant which he held for a number of years.  Although Les didn’t like holding rank he always gave his best and supported his officers at all times.  During Les’s time in the legion he always attended both duties and meetings immaculately dressed, which was an inspiration to other members to follow.  Les was always ready to volunteer for duty, no matter what or when, doing his last duty at the Hawera show as doorman of the produce hall during the judging of the entries, this was at the age of 85 years.  Other than for the legion, Les’s other love was that of shooting no matter which discipline he participated in it was with the same high standard he lived by, encouraging all members to enter into the competition for the enjoyment that was to be had in the sport.  The people who knew Les would know that he loved his cup of tea, talking on the task of having the billy boiling at the time it would be most appreciated.  Frontiersman EUSTACE was awarded his LSEM in 1968, this was followed by the Silver Fern in 1983, and the Pioneer Axe in 1986, all of which he wore with pride.  At our legion dinner in 1988 Colonel N. DALTON had the pleasure, on behalf of the members of ‘Z’ Troop to present Life Membership of the Unit to Les, one of the only times he was lost for words.  Throughout Les’s life in the Legion of Frontiersmen, he was a true Frontiersman, who at all times promoted the legion by supporting the members in whatever way he could.  Les is survived by his son Frank and his daughter Mrs Jill PEASE, but unfortunately Les was predeceased by his wife Nell, a great legion supporter in November 1993.  Our deepest sympathy is extended to all members of his family

[The Frontiersman, September 1994]

KNOWN AWARDS

Legion Long Service & Efficiency Medal

Silver Fern

Poineer Axe

NOTES

Born 23 September 1907

Died 3 May 1994 Hawera, New Zealand

Cremated, no grave

BATTLE HONOURS

Behobeho          East Africa 1915 - 1917          Nyangao          Kilimanjaro          Great War 1917          Belgium 1914 -18

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