William LEAHY

Regimental number2431
Place of birthKilmore, Victoria
SchoolKilmore State School, Victoria
ReligionRoman Catholic
OccupationLabourer
AddressAlbert Street, Kilmore, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation22
Next of kinFather, T Leahy, Albert Street, Kilmore, Victoria
Enlistment date24 August 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name19th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/36/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on 5 October 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll19th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Distinguished Conduct Medal


'For conspicuous gallantry in bombing & destroying an enemy M.G. single-handed thereby saving a critical situation & saving many casualties to our advancing troops.'
Recommendation date: 13 May 1917

FateKilled in Action 11 August 1918
Place of death or woundingFrance
Age at death from cemetery records25
Place of burialHeath Cemetery (Plot I, Row F, Grave No. 14), Harbonnieres, France
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
  Australian War Memorial
89
Miscellaneous information from
  cemetery records
Parents: Thomas and Elizabeth LEAHY, Albert Street, Kilmore, Victoria
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With absolute indifference to risk or danger he personally bombed and put out of action an enemy machine gun, thereby enabling our troops to continue their advance. This act of great courage saved a critical situation and averted serious casualties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189
Date: 8 November 1917