A couple of written eulogies:

For distribution as deemed appropriate.

Leigh was a MOBI (joined from Tasmania aged 16 in Jan 67 and graduated Jun 70) and was doing post-graduation NAA consolidation prior to commencing No. 80 Pilots Course (with Kevin Rasmus another MOBI) in Jan 71. Being back-classed with appendicitis, he graduated with his “Wings” on 81 Course in Jun 72. Had an almost continuous aviation career through to Transfer to Reserves in Jan 94 and then to final resignation in Mar 17. He also achieved his Fleet Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate and Naval Staff Course Advanced Diploma; and was cleared for patrol boat and air squadron command.

He had operational service in Op Desert Shield and was XO HS 816 Squadron on commissioning in Jul 92. He flew over 8500 hours across 9 different aircraft/helicopter types. Leigh also did exchange instructional service with RN's 705 Squadron at the same time Prince Andrew was under helicopter training. He was heavily involved in the interim Bell 206/AS 350 Detachments in FFG and the first S-70B-2 Seahawk Flights in FFG/FFHs. He served in 724, 723, 816 and 817 Squadrons.

Leigh's 50 years' service was recognised with the ASM with Kuwait Clasp, DLSM with 6 Clasps, ADM, National Medal, ACT Emergency Services Medal with 2003 Clasp, and a CN Commendation.

Leigh passed away on Monday 12 January 2026 at 75 years of age after a relatively short illness. He is survived by his wife of 55+ years, Annette, his daughter Leeanne and son Damien, their partners Jason and Fiona, his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His funeral was conducted in Nowra on Wednesday 21 January at St Michael's Church after which Leigh was buried in the Naval Section at the Nowra Cemetery. It was well attended by ex-Service, current Navy and community personnel and friends. He was well respected for his professionalism, community service and compassion and his Christian faith. He will be fondly remembered and missed.

Cheers,

Brett Dowsing


Dear All,

Again, we are the bearers of sad news. CMDR Leigh Costain GLEX (P) RAN Ret’d. passed away in Berry NSW aged 76 years on Monday 12th January 2026.

Leigh was born in Queenstown Tasmania on 30h March 1950 and was schooled in Tasmania prior to joining the RAN on 11th January 1967 at HMAS Nirimba as a 16-year-old, training as an Apprentice Aircraft Artificer. Leigh graduated from Nirimba in June 1970 and almost immediately commenced pilot training on RAAF 81 Pilots Course flying both the Winjeel and Macchi aircraft, graduating with his wings on 30th June 1972.

Initially Leigh was posted to VC 724 Squadron and flew the Skyhawk prior to moving to RAAF 5 Squadron, Canberra for helicopter conversion, where he flew Iroquois UH-1B helicopters. HC 723 followed for consolidation flying prior to HS 817 for conversion and anti-submarine operations in the Sea King Mk 50/50A both ashore and embarked.

December 1979 saw Leigh posted to RAF Shawbury, UK for qualified helicopter instructor’s course then to 705 Squadron RNAS Culdrose Cornwall, UK as a staff instructor. In Leigh’s own words regarding the 705 Squadron posting- “The staff were an excellent crew, and it was the second best if not the best posting I ever had in the Navy.”

In early 1983 the Costain family returned to Australia, where he rejoined HS 817 Squadron as QHI on Sea King and OIC Sea King Simulator. Later, he was posted to HC 723 Squadron for conversion onto AS 350 Squirrel helicopters then QHI on that type.

Leigh was then posted to HMAS Sydney for Bridge Watchkeeping training. Following his sea time, Leigh served as Training Development Officer in Project SEA 1308 – Seahawk and Role Adaptable Weapons System acquisition followed in 1986 – initially Canberra-based but with extensive periods in USA, mainly NAS Jacksonville, Florida and Sikorsky, Hartford, Connecticut.

He was on the team of the Seahawk Introduction and Trials Unit (SITU) on its raising in Feb 1988 as a QHI.

Leigh was the Seahawk P1 in the HMAS Adelaide detachment to the international coalition force for Iraqi containment operations in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea when the task group sailed from Sydney on 13 August and entered the Area of Operations (AO) on 3 September 1990. On completion of the Deployment Leigh returned to SITU and continued his training development duties on both the aircraft and simulator.

On 23 July 1992, HS 816 Squadron commissioned as the parent squadron for the S-70B-2 Seahawk – Leigh was the Squadron’s inaugural Senior Pilot and, with a restructuring at the end of that year, he also became the Executive Officer and Deputy Commanding Officer. Leigh completed his successful tenure as XO HS 816 in December 1993 and was awarded a Chief of Navy commendation for his dedication and professionalism associated with the introduction of the S-70B-2 to the Fleet.

Leigh transferred to the Reserves and went on to complete a 44-year career almost entirely in the FAA. He retired as a Commander and in late 2025 was diagnosed with aggressive cancer and he passed away on 12 January 2026.
We know that you share our condolences for Leigh with Annette and her family and Friends.

We would like to thank Brett Dowsing, Marcus Peake and the National Archive of Australia for supplying information on Leigh Francis John Costain’s life.

Vale: Leigh Costain.

Best Regards

Murray Smythe and Jeff Dalgliesh.