Leslie Bonnet
Leslie Bonnet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1902-08-22 Watford, England |
| Died | 1985-12-10 |
| Occupation(s) | RAF officer, writer, duck breeder |
| Known for | Developing the Welsh Harlequin Duck; writing short stories; RAF service |
Group Captain Leslie Bonnet (22 August 1902 – 10 December 1985) was an officer in the RAF, a writer of short stories, and a duck breeder, renowned for developing the Welsh Harlequin Duck, recognized as the sole authentic duck breed originating from Wales.
Early life
Born in 1902 in Watford, England, Bonnet was the offspring of a London bank manager and traced his lineage to a farming family from Staffordshire. He secured a scholarship to Watford Boys Grammar School and matriculated at St Catharine's College, Cambridge University in 1920, where he pursued studies in English and Law, graduating with double first-class honors in 1923.
Confronted with a challenging employment landscape during the 1920s, he initially sold "Watford" chocolates in Norfolk and made an unsuccessful bid as a Liberal candidate for the parliamentary seat representing Watford.
Pre-war years
Bonnet dedicated fifteen years to the Bank of England. In 1928, he wed Getrude Olive May; their son Bill was born two years later. By 1935, he had been appointed as the inaugural full-time editor of the Bank’s staff publication, The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, which he developed into a widely circulated magazine incorporating banking commentary, literary works, and cultural content. The December editions became popularly known as "Uncle Leslie’s Bumper Christmas Annuals." Additionally, he authored the Honorary Secretary's Guide in 1938.
In 1938, Bonnet enlisted in the Balloon Barrage, the sole branch of military service available to men of his age at that time. On 1 May 1939, he resigned from the Bank to assume the role of acting pilot officer, serving as second-in-command of E flight within 908 Squadron based in Bethnal Green. He quickly advanced through the ranks to Flying Officer and subsequently Flight Lieutenant.
War years
Towards the end of 1939, Bonnet was appointed one of three Squadron Leader Operations Officers at 30 Group Headquarters near Middlesex Hospital, where he supervised balloon operations alongside 902 Squadron. By late 1940, he had become deputy commander of 905 West End Squadron. Following this, he served as adjutant at RAF Bomber Command, Cottesmore before returning to head balloon operations at 30 Group in Chessington during 1941 as Squadron Leader Air under Wing Commander Barnes.
His duties encompassed overseeing London's fleet of 450 balloons, coordinating additional squadron deployments overseas, planning new barrage installations within Britain, and managing balloon operations on ships escorting Channel Convoys.
In 1942, Bonnet attended RAF Staff College at Gerrards Cross and graduated top of his cohort. Early in 1943, holding the rank of Wing Commander, he was assigned as administrative second-in-command at Stradishall Bomber Base in Suffolk. During this time frame, he divorced his first wife and married Joan Hutt, an artist whom he had met during her exhibition at the Bank of England.
Chinese mission
In late 1943, Bonnet was chosen by Group Captain "Daddy" Dawes and Air Marshal Saundby to participate in an RAF Training Mission to RAF Chengtu in China under Air Vice Marshal Pattinson. The mission’s objective was to develop the Republic of China Air Force as an autonomous branch distinct from the Army. Unofficially, British involvement sought to counteract expanding American influence within China. Bonnet enhanced the Air Force’s administrative capabilities by overhauling its primitive filing system and acquired proficiency in Chinese language while developing an appreciation for traditional Chinese theatre. The mission successfully bolstered the operational effectiveness of the Chinese Air Force, although it subsequently switched allegiance to Communist forces. Additionally, Bonnet briefly captained the Chinese Air Force’s football team.
Staff college
Following the completion of his assignment, Bonnet returned to the United Kingdom in 1944. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to China, the Chinese Ambassador presented him with the prestigious Order of the Cloud and Banner featuring a Special Rosette. Holding the rank of Group Captain, Bonnet took on the role of director of studies at the RAF Staff College located at Gerrards Cross, a position he maintained until his demobilisation in October 1947. He chose to decline an offer for a permanent adjutant role accompanied by a peacetime rank of Wing Commander.
Short story writer
In 1949, Bonnet and his family moved to a manor estate encompassing 25 acres in Criccieth, North Wales. They raised five children and eventually had numerous grandchildren.
During his time in Wales, Bonnet dedicated himself to writing, producing a significant number of short stories that appeared mainly in Argosy along with other British periodicals. Among his notable works are The Awkwardness of Chin-T’ang, The Bounciful Bed Company, and The Silken Screen. He also penned plays such as The Nine Fathers (1970), which earned the Maynard Cup at the Wales Final Festival of One Act Plays in 1969. His literary output included books like Chinese Fairy Tales (1958), while his children's book The Terrible Nung Guama (1978) was an adaptation of one of his earlier stories.
In addition to writing, Bonnet served as an area representative for a major unit trust company and acted as Hon Secretary for the Caernarvonshire Branch of the Council for the Preservation of Rural Wales in 1963.
Originator of the Welsh Harlequin Duck
While residing in Criccieth, Bonnet furthered his passion for duck breeding by developing the Welsh Harlequin, a distinctive breed originating from a colour mutation found in Khaki Campbell ducks. This breed remains the sole authentic duck breed native to Wales. Additionally, he created the Whalesbury Duck, a hybrid resulting from crossing an Aylesbury Duck with a Welsh Harlequin.
Bonnet authored Practical Duck Keeping (1960), which is widely regarded as the authoritative handbook on duck breeding and continues to influence breeders today. The British Waterfowl Association honors his legacy through an annual award named after him, recognizing exceptional achievements in British waterfowl breeding.
Memorials
Leslie Bonnet passed away in December 1985 at the age of 83 and was laid to rest in Criccieth Cemetery. His memory is commemorated by a woodland near Ymwlch and a memorial bench situated on Garth Pier, Bangor. His obituary highlighted him as an energetic "countryman... abounding with energy."