Leon Goldsworthy

Early life Goldsworthy was born on 19 January 1909 at Broken Hill, New South Wales, the son of Alfred Goldsworthy and Eva Jane Goldsworthy (née Riggs). Growing up he was a keen amateur wrestler and gymnast. He was educated at Kapunda High School, South Australia, and later went on to the Adelaide School of Mines before attending the University of Adelaide, where he worked as a technician in the Physics Department. After graduating, he moved to Western Australia and went into the electrical sign business. On 4 November 1939, Goldsworthy married Maud E. Rutherford; the pair later had a daughter, Pamela.

Completing his basic training, Goldsworthy volunteered for the Rendering Mines Safe Section on . He quickly proved himself as a skilled officer who was able to use his pre-war training in electricity and physics to great effect. He was often required to defuse mines underwater wearing a bulky diving suit that made the slow, steady movements required in this work very difficult. before receiving a Mention in Despatches in August of the same year.

He then engaged in a series of recoveries between 12 June 1943 and 10 April 1944, during which time he defused four German ground mines, three magnetic mines and one acoustic mine. During the defusal of the acoustic mine, which had lain in the water off Milford Haven Wales for two and a half years, he was also promoted to lieutenant commander. which was needed urgently to supply Allied troops advancing across France. On one occasion he disarmed a new German 'K' type mine in 15 metres of water, whilst under shellfire. he was among the first to enter and search the caves in Correigidor.

Later life Goldsworthy returned to Perth upon demobilisation, and became the Production Manager of Neon Signs (W.A.) Pty Ltd, Perth in 1963. After his wife's death, he remarried Georgette Johnston in 1968, The Leon Goldsworthy ward at Hollywood Private Hospital has been named in his honour.