Leonard Fitchett was one of the Righteous Gentiles who gave his life for the establishment of the State of Israel. Son of Albert and Jessie, he was born on September 10th, 1923 in Moosehorn, Canada, grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, and after completing High School studied Economics at University.
In WWII he was a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force serving in Europe. He was shot down on one of his flights, but was rescued by the French Marquis Underground Resistance Movement, who returned him to his base.
As a pilot, he was awarded a number of Distinguished Service decorations, and Mentions in Dispatches. He downed the last German aircraft at the time of the German surrender.
On discharge from the RCAF, he returned to his University studies intending to complete them within one year. He was fond of singing classical music and of philosophy. The writings of Byron always accompanied him on his flights.
Leonard’s heart was always with those who were suffering and exploited. He considered Israel’s struggle for freedom as that of his own and he soon volunteered for Israel’s Air Force and joined the IDF. It was a secret he disclosed to his sister. His parents were told about it only after he arrived in Israel. He planned to remain in Israel and settle on one of the kibbutzim.
During his service, Leonard succeeded in downing three Egyptian Spitfires, despite the fact that he was flying a less effective aircraft. On one attack, he also routed an Egyptian warship.
Leonard was killed on October 10th 1948 in the Negev, while attacking the Egyptian held Police Fortress of Iraq-el-Suweidan. His body was never found.
In an Order of the Day, the Chief of Staff posthumously promoted him to Flight Commander.
Prepared by Joe Woolf