In 1932 Leigh went to RAF Gosport under instruction, and then joined No 810 (Fleet Torpedo-Bomber) Squadron, based at Gosport and at sea on HMS Courageous.
“Lucky” Leigh became an instructor and joined the staff of the Central Flying School. As a Flight Commander there he was the man who pronounced Douglas Bader, who had lost both legs in a flying accident, fit for flying duties.
In April 1940 Leigh joined No 66 Squadron, as a supernumerary Squadron Leader. He took command of the squadron on the 9th.
Flying Spitfires, he shared in the destruction of a He 111 on 12 May 1940, destroyed a He 111 on 9 September, shared in the destruction of another on the 11th and damaged a Bf 109 on 13 October.
He was posted to HQ No 12 Group on 18 October on administrative duties. Leigh returned to operations in May 1941, taking command of No 23 Squadron, an appointment he retained until December that year.
Leigh retired from the RAF on 7 December 1954 as a Group Captain, retaining the rank of Air Commodore. During the war he received no gallantry decorations, but was Mentioned in Despatches five times.
He died on 1 February 1991.
