The AIF Project

Leslie Arnold HALSALL

Regimental number2124
Place of birthCreighton Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationFarmer
AddressRomsey, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation23
Next of kinFather, Alfred Edward Halsall, Romsey, Victoria
Enlistment date22 February 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name2nd Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 3
AWM Embarkation Roll number14/14/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 6 June 1916
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll2nd Pioneer Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 18 October 1918

FateReturned to Australia 19 August 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On 5th October, 1918, near MONTBREHAIN, north of ST. QUENTIN, he accompanied Lance Corporal DAVIS in using a Lewis gun on an exposed forward slope under heavy enemy fire from close range, and stayed out maintaining effective fire until the posts had been withdrawn to the rear of the crest line. The steady fire of this gun greatly facilitiated the manoeuvre. Later he accompanied the N.C.O. with Lewis gun to an exposed forward position from which they harassed the enemy who was preparing to counter-attack under cover of heavy machine gun fire from close range and a field gun from only a few hundred yards distance. His coolness and keen markmanship accounted for severe enemy casualties.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 119
Date: 17 October 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal

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