For three decades, Mount Lawley Senior High School has proudly maintained a deep and meaningful connection with the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Kings Park.
Each year, students, staff, veterans, families, and invited guests gather to honour the service and sacrifice of all prisoners of war, ensuring their stories and legacy continue to be remembered by future generations.
The Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial is located in Kings Park, Perth and was unveiled on 16 February 1968 by His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia, Major General Sir Douglas Kendrew K.C.M.G., C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O. The memorial was consecrated on the same day by Reverend J.A. Philson.
The memorial commemorates all prisoners of war and serves as a place of reflection, remembrance, and respect.
The memorial features a natural granite rock with commemorative plaques and a swirl of stainless steel, surrounded by sandstone pillars and stainless steel railing.
On 13 June 1997, Mount Lawley Senior High School formally adopted the memorial at the request of Arthur Leggett OAM, then President of the Ex-Prisoners of War Association of Western Australia.
Since that time, the school has proudly maintained the memorial and hosted the annual Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial Service each May. The service honours the service and sacrifice of all Australian Prisoners of War, providing students with an important opportunity to learn about resilience, courage and the importance of remembrance.
The relationship between the school and the memorial has become one of the most significant and enduring traditions in the school's history.
Arthur Leggett OAM was Western Australia's oldest surviving World War II Prisoner of War and a deeply respected member of the Mount Lawley Senior High School community.
Following the war, Arthur chose to speak openly about his experiences, something many returned soldiers found difficult to do. He dedicated much of his life to educating young Australians about the realities of war, the importance of remembrance, and the values of courage, compassion, and service.
Arthur regularly visited the school to speak with students, attend assemblies, graduations, commemorative services, and special events. Through his warmth, humility, and wisdom, he became a beloved figure within the school community.
It was Arthur's request in 1997 that led Mount Lawley Senior High School to become involved with the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Kings Park. Since then, generations of students have continued the tradition he valued so deeply.
In 2017, Arthur was inducted as a Lawley Legend, becoming the only non-alumnus to ever receive the honour. In 2018, to celebrate his 100th birthday, the school renamed its library the Arthur Leggett OAM Library in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the school and wider community.
Arthur passed away in 2025 and was honoured with a State Funeral on 10 May 2025 in recognition of his outstanding service to Western Australia and Australia. Mount Lawley Senior High School's choir was honoured to perform at the service, continuing the strong connection Arthur shared with the school and its students.
Mount Lawley Senior High School remains committed to preserving Arthur's legacy and continuing the traditions of remembrance, respect, and service that he championed throughout his life.
For more than 30 years, Mount Lawley Senior High School students have proudly carried forward the responsibility of remembrance through their stewardship of the Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial.
The annual memorial service stands as a powerful reminder that the stories and sacrifices of prisoners of war must never be forgotten, and that future generations have an important role in preserving their legacy.
Lest We Forget.
Mount Lawley Senior High School acknowledges the Whadjuk (Whadjak) People of the Nyoongar Nation as the Traditional Custodians of this land. We pay our respects to their Elders, both past and present, and to their continuing connection to Noongar Boodja (Noongar Country).
