Thousands of people watched and followed a poignant military procession down Perth’s St George’s Terrace to pay respects to Arthur Leggett, Western Australia’s last surviving WWII prisoner of war.
The public were invited to line the streets this morning for the first military state funeral to be held in WA in more than 60 years.
The terrace was closed for three hours as West Australians paid their respects to the 106-year-old hero.
A military procession started proceedings, slowly marching from Mill Street in West Perth.
A riderless horse led the procession, symbolising a fallen service person.
Also part of the march were two guards, comprised of soldiers from the Royal Western Australia Regiment, a bearer party, a gun tractor and carriage, and the WA Army Band.
The procession measured about 950 metres to St George’s Cathedral.
The number of steps taken by soldiers equalling approximately one step for every kilometre Arthur Leggett walked during his march in captivity.
Once the procession passed the public, they joined in, flooding the city streets as they followed the troops down the terrace.
They were accompanied by an RAAF flyover, and the St George’s Cathedral tenor bell tolling 106 times.
The significance of this day was not lost on many who turned out, describing it as a special and emotional day for all.
