| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Belfast, Co Antrim, Ireland |
| Other Names | DSO |
| School | Rosetta College, Belfast, Co Antrim, Ireland |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Clerk |
| Address | Rio Vesta, Mary Street, Longueville, New South Wales |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Height | 5' 7" |
| Weight | 132 lbs |
| Next of kin | Sister, Miss K Lesky, Rio Vesta, Mary Street, Longueville, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | 2nd Lieutenant |
| Unit name | 2nd Battalion, 5th Reinforcement |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A55 Kyarra on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Major |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 54th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 30448, 28 December 1917; 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 57, 18 April 1918. DSO Recommendation date: |
| Other details from Roll of Honour Circular | Joined the Bank of New South Wales, Head Office, 12 October 1910. |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Distinguished Service Order 'For conspicuous gallantry and resource during an attack when in charge of the front line held by his battalion. Despite the heavy barrage and artillery bombardment, he handled the situation with great skill and courage, and his fine example greatly contributed to the steadiness of all ranks. Although wounded, he refused to leave the line until the attack had been repulsed and the position secured.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 189 Date: |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Joined 2nd Bn, Gallipoli, 17 June 1915, as supernumerary; absorbed for permanent duty, 4 August 1915. Promoted Lieutenant, 17 October 1915. Disembarked Alexandria from Mudros, 28 December 1915 (general Gallipoli evacuation). Transferred to 54th Bn, Tel el Kebir, 14 February 1916; joined 54th Bn, 16 February 1916. Appointed Captain, 29 April 1916. Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 29 June 1916. Admitted to Field Ambulance, 22 July 1916; transferred to Officers' Rest House, 22 July 1916 (debility); discharged to duty, 26 July 1916. Promoted Major, 17 April 1917. Wounded in action, 15 May 1917 (gun shot wound, left leg and right arm), and admitted to 8th Field Ambulance; transferred same day to 3rd Casualty Clearing Station and then to 29th Casualty Clearing Station; to Ambulance Train, 16 May 1917, and admitted to 14th General Hospital, Wimereux, 17 May 1917. Transferred to England, 19 May 1917, and admitted to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, 19 May 1917; transferred to 4th London General Hospital, Denmark Hill, 23 June 1917; discharged to No 2 Command Depot, Weymouth, 6 September 1917. Awarded the Distinguished Service Order. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Ulysses', 10 September 1917; disembarked Melbourne, 13 November 1917, for overland travel to Sydney; appointment terminated, 13 May 1918. Re-enlisted, 7 October 1918, and re-embarked, 14 October 1918, from Sydney on board SS 'Wyreema' as Major, 22nd New South Wales Reinforcements. Medals: Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Sources | 'Bank of New South Wales Roll of Honour' (Sydney, 1921), pp. 227-8. |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
