Lionel Edward FREEBODY

Regimental number2151
Place of birthAdaminaby New South Wales
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationGrazier
AddressBolairo View, Adaminaby, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation21
Next of kinFather, F C Freebody, Bolairo View, Adaminaby, New South Wales
Enlistment date16 January 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name55th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/72/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A15 Port Sydney on 4 September 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll55th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 2 March 1918

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 3 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 2 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the HINDENBURG LINE North of BELLICOURT on 30th September and 1st October 1918. Although enemy shell and Machine Gun fire were particularly heavy, this gallant runner repeatedly carried messages between the firing line and Battalion Headquarters. In the accomplishment of these tasks he was the object of much direct Machine Gun fire and sniping, and his perseverance with this most difficult and dangerous work displayed great endurance and most unselfish disregard of personal safety. Private FREEBODY's work did much to bring about the successful issue of this operation as the only means of communication between Battalion Headquarters and the firing line during the early stages of the attack was by runner.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109
Date: 15 September 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal