| Regimental number | 2575 |
| Place of birth | Dunalley Victoria |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Butcher |
| Address | 'Gracedale', Oakwood Street, Brighton, Victoria |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 23 |
| Next of kin | Father, Richard Leach, Oakwood Street, Brighton, Victoria |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 59th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/76/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A9 Shropshire on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Corporal |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 59th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Military Medal Recommendation date: Distinguished Conduct Medal Altered to Military Medal. Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Killed in Action |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 25 |
| Place of burial | Cabin Hill Cemetery (Row C, Grave No. 13), Wytschaete, Belgium |
| Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 168 |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Richard and Margaret LEACH, Oakwood Avenue, Brighton, Victoria |
| Medals |
Military Medal 'Near BEAUMETZ on 24th March, 1917, Private LEACH displayed conspicuous bravery and coolness. During an attack made on the enemy position on the above date, Private LEACH, a Lewis Gunner of the 59th Battalion, pushed his gun forward under heavy shell fire, and established himself just in rear of the shell crater strongly held by the enemy. Although shells were landing practically everywhere except on the gun, Private LEACH continued to pour incessant fire on the crater. As the enemy retired along the SUNKEN ROAD he inflicted heavy casualties on them. His personal example of bravery and coolness was instrumental in enabling the crater to be occupied with few casualties and the fire he brought to bear afforded excellent covering for the waves that subsequently followed.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140 Date: MM Bar Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 33 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
