Len Seaman

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 293, 4 July 1989, Page 7

Len Seaman

By

Donna

McGrath

Leonard Frederick Seaman, born June 17, 1921, died last week, June 24, 1989, aged 68 years. 249108 L Stg L.F. Seaman, DCM was born Ohakune NZ 17th June 1921. Butcher. Embarked 8 th Reinforcements 10th Dec 1942; wounded 15th Dec 1944. Returned 6th Dec 1945. Discharged 23rd Nov 1945. Served with 22 BN in Middle East and Italy. Len Seaman a long time member of the Waimarino Community with an even longer living memory of true spirit and courageous comradeship. To some Len was just the guy living in Queen Street just around the corner. But to others Len was the highest quality of manhood possible. he will be proudly remembered for his family bandage, a soldier and comrade, a friend and neighbour. Yet to us all, Len was Len, in all his own way. Known as a quiet, compassionate true gentleman, he kept his qualities of life within himself . This aquaintances will treasure his helpfulness and companionship, his contagious laughter and

his unselfish devotion to taking care of his other and sister, having himself never married. Len was a person who never spoke freely about the years that he endured at war - the pain, the sadness, and the critical situations were years that changed many soldiers and families to the extent alot of us could never imagine. It wasn't until Len died that family records and special friends revealed Len's past as one of courage and bravery, having received the "Distinquished Conduct Medal", during an attack in 1944 at Casa Elta, Italy. A piece from Len's Atation reads - "After being shot at close range in the chest, he continued to direct

operations calmly and without thought of his personal comfort. The capture of the Casa Elta position wa entirely due to Lance Sergeant Seaman's judgement and leadership. Whether under the heaviest fire or the most severe pain he remained master of the situation, unflurried, completely courageous and superb in his judgement and appreciation of a situation." London Gazette, 21 June 1945.