Leslie Gordon BURGESS

Regimental number2550
Place of birthKiama, New South Wales
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationClerk
Address14 Warren Road, Marrickville, New South Wales
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation25
Height5' 7.25"
Weight114 lbs
Next of kinFather, John Burgess, 14 Warren Road, Marrickville, New South Wales
Previous military serviceNil: previously ('18 months ago') rejected for AIF enlistment on account of chest measurement [29-33 inches when accepted].
Enlistment date3 October 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll20 August 1916
Place of enlistmentSydney, New South Wales
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name35th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/52/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 25 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollCorporal
Unit from Nominal Roll1st Infantry Brigade Headquarters
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Meritorious Service Medal


'For conspicuous devotion to duty during the period 16/17th September 1918, to 11th November, 1918. This man has carried out the manifold duties connected with his work in the Brigade Office continuously for the period under review, often under most trying conditions. Notwithstanding the severe strain entailed by long hours and adverse circumstances, his zeal and energy and the thoroughness of his work have been worthy of the highest praise. Throughout his cheerfulness and congeniality have been a fine example and help to the rest of the staff.'
Recommendation date: 18 January 1919

FateReturned to Australia 19 June 1919
Medals

Meritorious Service Medal


Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 113
Date: 6 October 1919

Discharge date29 September 1919
Family/military connectionsBrothers: 1312 Pte Douglas Theodore BURGESS, 3rd Bn, returned to Australia, 29 July 1916; [2586] 2nd Lt James Henry BURGESS, 4th Bn, returned to Australia, 16 March 1918; [826] 2nd Lt Stewart Salmond BURGESS, 20th Bn, killed in action, 6 April 1918; 19049 Gunner William Milne BURGESS, 3rd Division Artillery Headquarters, returned to Australia, 4 July 1919.
Other details

War service: Western Front

Embarked Sydney, 25 October 1916; disembarked Devonport, England, 28 December 1916.

Proceeded overseas to France, 4 February 1917; taken on strength, 35th Bn, in the field, 7 February 1917; transferred to 1st Infantry Brigade Headquarters, 23 March 1917.

Admittedto 2nd Australian Field Ambulance, 14 May 1917 (pyrexia unknown origin), and transferred same day to 5th Division Rest Station; discharged to duty, 20 May 1917; rejoined unit, 21 May 1917.

On leave to Paris, 18 July 1917; rejoined unit from leave. 22 July 1917.

On leave to United Kingdom, 7 February 1918; rejoined unit from leave, 23 February 1918.

Granted leave with pay and subsistence, 17 February-16 May 1919 (Non-Military Employment: clerical work with British American Tobacco Co Ltd, 7 Millbank, London). Granted extension of leave from 17 May to 16 June 1919 (NME with British American tobacco).

Commenced return to Australia on board HT Windhuk', 19 June 1919; disembarked Sydney, 21 August 1919; discharged, 29 September 1919.

Medals: Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
SourcesNAA: B2455, BURGESS Leslie Gordon