The AIF Project

Leonard Cecil LUDBROOKE

Regimental number7882
Place of birthAlbert Park Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationSurgical instrument maker
AddressIvanhoe, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, J Ludbrooke, Lower Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, Victoria
Previous military service34th Field Company Army Engineers
Enlistment date10 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit nameNo 1 Australian General Hospital
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board A62 Wandilla on 25 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll13th Field Ambulance
FateReturned to Australia 11 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During operations east of YPRES 28th/29th September, 1917, this man carried the wounded back under very heavy shell fire and rallied his comrades encouraging them to every exertion when their strength was being very heavily taxed. He set a fine example of coolness and courage.' Second recommendation reads: 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as a stretcher bearer during the operations near Zonnebeke East of Ypres on 13th October 1917, especially under the following circumstances. When the enemy was concentrating a geat deal of heavy shell fire upon the area in the vicinity of the Zonnebeke Cross Roads, and was causing a large number of casulaties, Private Ludbrooke alone (there being no assistance at the time available), with greaT courage, endurance and determination frequently traversed this shell swept area and boruoght in wounded until all had been placed under shelter. He was thus the means of saving four men who could not help themselves and at the same time leading four others to shelter, who otherwise would have been sacrificed, as they were so dazed as to be unable to make for shelter although able to walk.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 95
Date: 27 June 1918

Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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