In Australian military history, there are tales of bravery, resilience, and unwavering determination that transcend time and circumstance.
One such story is that of Leonard 'Len' Waters, whose remarkable journey from shearer to fighter pilot stands as a testament to the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Warrant Officer Leonard Waters in his winter flying uniform, c. 1943
Early Years: A Humble Beginning
Leonard 'Len' Waters, a proud Kamilaroi (Gamilaraay) man, was born as the fourth child of Don and Grace Waters in the outback Queensland town of Nindigully.
Raised amidst the vast landscapes of the Australian outback, Len grew up in a close-knit family of 11 children, where he learned the values of hard work, resilience, and determination from an early age.
Waters worked alongside his father, engaging in physically demanding tasks such as fence-building and ring-barking trees—a common practice used to clear land in the 1930s.
Despite the hardships and poor wages associated with this work, young Len displayed a strong work ethic and resilience.
In 1940, seeking better opportunities, Waters transitioned to shearing—a profession that was equally physically demanding but offered better compensation.
He quickly honed his skills as a shearer, often working seven days a week alongside his father in outback Queensland shearing sheds.
This period of hard work and toil laid the foundation for the resilience and determination that would define his future endeavors.
Breaking Barriers: Joining the RAAF
Amidst the turmoil of World War II, Len Waters felt a profound sense of duty stirring within him. In 1942, he made the courageous decision to enlist in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), driven by a desire to serve his country.
Initially, Waters sought a position as a flight mechanic. Following the successful completion of his training in Sydney and Melbourne, he was assigned to the No 2 Operational Training Unit in Mildura, Victoria. There, Waters gained hands-on experience working with various aircraft, including Kittyhawks, Boomerangs, and Spitfires
Waters’ P-40 Kittyhawk fighter, c. 1944–45
In his own words, as captured in Robert Hall's "Fighters from the Fringe," Len articulated his fierce determination to excel within the elite ranks of the Air Force, despite being one of the few Indigenous recruits.
"was terribly keen to prove myself in the elite, which it is. There is no doubt about that. The flying part of the Air Force was the elite. Well, I was the coloured boy in it and I might add that there was 169 of us I think there was, started, on the course, and there were 44 or 46 finished up as pilots that graduated and got our wings … there were only 3 blokes in front of me on my average. So, from my humble beginning I was pretty proud of what I am … accomplished like."
Despite his limited formal education, Waters dedicated himself to his studies, driven by a fervent desire to prove his worth. In July 1944, his perseverance paid off when he earned his RAAF pilot's wings and was promoted to sergeant.
Uranquinty, NSW, 1944-07-01. Leading Aircraftman L. V. (Len) Waters receiving his "wings"
Throughout his service, Waters displayed exceptional courage and skill, completing an impressive 95 missions in his Kittyhawk, named Black Magic. Despite the constant danger, he faced each mission with bravery and determination.
Waters understood the grim reality of war, knowing that a crash landing or capture could lead to dire consequences. His resolve was tested when a Japanese cannon shell struck his plane's cockpit near the fuel tank. Miraculously, the shell failed to explode, and Waters safely landed his aircraft two hours later, narrowly escaping death.
The Return Home: Confronting Challenges
After his remarkable service and sacrifices during World War II, Len Waters, like many Indigenous veterans, faced the harsh reality of systemic discrimination upon returning to civilian life.
Len harbored dreams of establishing a regional airline—a lifeline that would connect remote communities with essential services and facilities from urban centers.
However, despite his vision and determination, Len's ambitious plan received little support from banks or government agencies, forcing him to shelve the idea and seek alternative employment.
In a post-war Australia, Len found himself relegated to his previous profession as a shearer
Legacy of Courage: Remembering Len Waters
Len Waters' legacy transcends the confines of time and place, serving as an enduring testament to the courage, resilience, and determination of all Indigenous veterans who served their country with distinction.
His remarkable journey—from the dusty plains of northern New South Wales to the skies above the Pacific—inspires pride, fosters cultural appreciation, and ensures that his legacy endures for future generations.
Len Waters' story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, guiding us on a journey of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for the sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans like him. May we never forget their contributions, and may their legacies continue to shine brightly in the annals of history.
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