Thomas David James Leech

Thomas David James Leech (1902-1973)

Thomas Leech, CBE BSc BE was a Lecturer in Civil Engineering, University of Sydney and was the foundation Geoffrey Sulman Memorial Lecturer in Aerodynamics. In 1940, he was appointed Professor of Engineering at Auckland University College, New Zealand, and before and during the Second World War, was heavily involved with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in Auckland and was awarded a CBE for his services.

From 1950 to 1967, he was Engineer-in-charge, Scientific Services Division of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, establishing and managing the research laboratory and all its associated research programs. During the 1960s, he was also an advocate of the use of diffusion blasting - the use of underground nuclear explosion technology - and their potential to create inland reservoirs and was involved with the "Australian Plowshare Committee" associated with the Australian Atomic Energy Commission.

He is commemorated by the "Professor TDJ Leech Study Area" at the University of Auckland, and in a Heritage NSW "Blue Plaque" at the SMEC Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, Cooma NSW.

For further detailed information about his life see:

https://eoas.info/biogs/P000565b.htm

https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/people/science/display/123076-professor-thomas-leech