Leatham joined the
Royal Navy in 1900 as a cadet on the training ship
Britannia. He served on various ships during
World War I. After the War he went on to command
HMS Yarmouth,
HMS Durban,
HMS Ramillies and . He was appointed Commander of the
1st Battle Squadron on 14 June 1938 holding that post until February 1939. He served in
World War II as
Commander-in-Chief, East Indies Station from 12 April 1939 until 16 July 1941. He was next appointed as
Admiral Superintendent Malta Dockyard and Flag Officer in Charge, Malta from January 1942 taking part in actions against the
Italian Navy until December 1942. He became Deputy Governor of
Malta in 1943 and was briefly temporary
Commander-in-Chief, Levant before becoming
Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth later in 1943. He retired in 1946. In retirement he became
Governor of Bermuda. ==Family==