The AIF Project

Charles Walter Leslie LEAHEY

Regimental number472
Place of birthOrange New South Wales
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationBlacksmith
AddressMain Street, Lithgow, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, James Leahey, Main Street, Lithgow, New South Wales
Enlistment date7 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentDriver
Unit name3rd Pioneer Battalion, B Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/15/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 6 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollDriver
Unit from Nominal Roll3rd Pioneer Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 28 May 1918

FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night of the 25th May, 1918, the ration wagon and water cart were proceeding to "A" Company of this Unit, when a heavy enemy barrage was encountered immediately West of VILLERS BRETONNEUX, near AMIENS. Owing to the intense enemy shelling, it was considered inadvisable to send the water cart forward, but as the rations were urgently required, No. 472 Driver LEAHEY, with absolute disregard for personal safety, volunteered to take the wagon through. This he was successful in doing, at great danger to himself, under the most difficult and exhausting circumstances. H.E. and gas shells were bursting around him, continuously, the wagon being hit in several places. On the return journey, he again showed remarkable courage and fortitude, and it was only by the greatest of good fortune that he escaped personal injury.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 23
Date: 12 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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