Air Commodore Leonard Birchall: Leadership in his own words

Preface by Major William March

Air Commodore Leonard Birchall was the epitome of an officer. During his 62 years of service, in peace and war, he demonstrated what a leader should be through his devotion to duty and willingness to put the safety and comfort of personel under his command ahead of his well being. Although his story has been told many times, it was a rare treat to hear him in person as he strove to impart practical lessons in leadership to generations of young airmen and airwomen. The article that follows is the transcript of one such speaking engagement. As such it provides a personal glimpse of an airman whose accomplishments were described by Major-General James R. Davies of the United States Marine Corps thusly: “In circumstances where only too many officers had failed to live up to their responsibilities, the tales of Birchall’s leadership carried … throughout the system of camps, brought renewed faith and strength to many hundreds of men. It is incredible how morale of disheartened men can rise behind the example of a courageous  officer, B irchall came to be something of a symbol, to stand in the hearts of men as a true officer.” Here then, in his own words, are the musings of a true officer.

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