The AIF Project

Leonard James BRIGGS

Regimental number1047
Place of birthTasmania
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressLongford, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinFather, A H Briggs, Longford, Tasmania
Enlistment date3 April 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name26th Battalion, D Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/43/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on 29 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll26th Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 15 May 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'This N.C.O. displayed great initiative and brilliant leadership during the operation on 3rd October, 1918, near BEAUREVOIR, east of PERONNE. Early in the action his platoon officer became a casualty, and he immediately assumed command and led his men with great dash. After the final objective had been taken, he pushed forward with a few men and established a strong post which he held under very trying conditions until relieved. All this party were wounded, leaving Sergeant BRIGGS along. He used a Lewis gun very effectively on many occasions, and more especially when the enemy were massing for a counter attack. He displayed real coolness and courage throughout, thereby setting a fine example to all his men.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

Family/military connectionsBrothers: (6249) Lieutenant Edgar Charles BRIGGS, 12th Bn, returned to Australia; 180 Corporal Guy Alfred BRIGGS, 12th Bn, killed in action, Gallipoli, 28 April 1915.
Other details

War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Age at death36
Place of burialSandy Bay Cemetery, Hobart, Tasmania

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