Leutnant Leffers began his military career as an enlistee in the Field Telegraph Corps, and soon transferred to aviation corps, training at Johannesthal. Following his training he was assigned as a pilot to an artillery relage squadron, F.A. 32. After a short period of duty he was transferred as a fighter pilot to the Western Front with Jasta I flying Fokker monoplanes (Fokker Eindeckers). He obtained a total of 9 aerial victories, the first on December 5th, 1915 near Achiet-le-Grand.
For this unusual accomplishment (aerial victories had not yet become commonplace) he was awarded an EHRENBECHER (Honor Goblet), number 32. EHRENBECHERS were awarded to “Dem Sieger in Luftkampfe” (to the victor in aerial combat) for the first aerial victory. He won the coveted “Pour-le-Merite” (Blue Max) on October 25, 1916 and was the 12th aviator recipient of this coveted award.
He was killed in aerial combat, near Cherisy, France, December 27th, 1916.
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