The AIF Project

Lea Thomas SMEDLEY

Regimental number1994
Other NamesLeo Thomas
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
Address35 Thomas Street, Petersham, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation20
Next of kinFather, Mr William Smedley, 35 Thomas Street, Petersham, New South Wales
Enlistment date28 February 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll25 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name53rd Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/70/3
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A37 Barambah on 23 June 1916
Regimental number from Nominal RollComissioned
Rank from Nominal RollLieutenant
Unit from Nominal Roll34th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 22 February 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For gallantry and devotion to duty during attack on enemy position in the vicinity of MORLANCOURT near ALBERT on the night of 5th/6th May, 1918. An enemy machine gun temporarily held up the advance. He rushed the post, bayoneting the crew, and captured the gun. At the second objective he was the first man of his platoon into the trench, and silenced a bombing post, killing two and capturing two of the enemy. His courage was an inspiring example to his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Print format    


© The AIF Project 2024, UNSW Canberra. Not to be reproduced without permission.