“Corporal Leonard Ferguson Crothers, R.N.Z.A.F., who died recently in Wellington, was well known before the war as an elocutionist, winner of many awards and a gold medallist. He was educated at Island Bay School and Wellington College, and studied elocution under Mr. W. J. Mountjoy, jun., who influenced and inspired him. Four years prior to his enlistment in the Air Force for overseas service he went to London to study at a theatrical school, where he won a gold medal for elocution and several awards for dancing. Latterly he took part in several film productions which were shown in New Zealand "The Housemaster" and "A Yank at Oxford." Leaving London to enlist, his ship was torpedoed on the trip across to America, and he had to return to England. On finally arriving in New Zealand he joined the broadcasting service in Christchurch as an announcer while waiting to join up with the Air Force. He was stationed for some time with the Air Force in the Pacific, whence he was invalided seriously ill. His death will be a sad loss to elocutionary circles and to his friends in London and New Zealand.” [Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 90, 13 October 1944, Page 6]