Roger Gordon Leggatt (1929 - 1957)

Born 7 Dec 1929 in Nyngan, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Died 5 Jan 1957 at age 27 in Bourke, New South Wales, Australia

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Man Drowned

ROGER GORDON LEGGATT

The whole district was shocked when word was received of the drowning of Roger Gordon Leggatt, 28, of Coolabah, the sad event having taken place in the Darling River at Bourke on Saturday after noon, January 5.

It appears that Gordon, as he was known by everyone, in company with some friends from Coolabah, journeyed to Bourke on a fishing excursion for the week-end.

They were fishing at the weir. One of his companions swam across to the opposite side, where he landed some fish and called out for the others to come over, which they did, but the deceased, in his hurry and excitement, forgot his rod, and swam back for it. He got

his rod and was on the return trip when he swam too close to the vortex and was sucked un der. He appeared once for a second and called for help, but before anything could be done he was whirled under and was not seen again.

Many of his friends from Coolabah journeyed to Bourke to take part in the search for his body, which was not found until 6.30 p.m. on Sunday.

The deceased, who was born in the district and lived all his life at Coolabah, was the son of Mr. George Leggatt and the late Mrs. Leggatt, of "El Trune," Coolabah.

Educated at Dubbo High School, the deceased was known for his prowess as a cricketer and on the football field, and was also a very strong swim mer. At the time of the tragedy the deceased was employed on his father's property at Coola

bah.

Lonergan Bros., who had charge of the funeral arrange ments, journeyed to Bourke on the Sunday night to bring the remains to Nyngan, where they were laid to rest in the C. of E. portion of the Nyngan ceme tery beside his mother, who predeceased him by five years.

The high esteem and respect in which the deceased was held was shown by the very large cortege which followed the re mains to pay their last res pects at the graveside.

Besides his sorrowing father there is one sister, Mrs. Jack Cleary (Nyngan) and three brothers, Ian (Ivanhoe), Allen (Yarran Downs, Miandetta), John (Coolabah) to mourn the loss of a loving son and bro ther. One brother, Reg, was killed in New Guinea.

To Mr. G. Leggatt and the sorrowing sister and brothers, we offer our deepest sympathy.