Leonard Charles COTTERILL

Regimental number2447
Place of birthBeaconsfield Tasmania
ReligionMethodist
OccupationLabourer
AddressBeaconsfield, Tasmania
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation19
Next of kinMother, Mrs Emma Cotterill, Beaconsfield, Tasmania
Enlistment date12 July 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll13 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name12th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/29/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A61 Kanowna on 24 June 1915
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll51st Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: 29 October 1917

FateReturned to Australia 5 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'By his gallant action, initiative and splendid leadership at a critical time on the 15th October, 1917, he maintained a section of the outpost line near BROODSEINDE. Whilst in charge of a Lewis Gun Section, his post was under continuous and heavy fire and was finally completely blown in, a gun and several of his men being buried. He personally dug out his gun and several of the men, established a fresh post, and by his promptness in dealing with the situation, and by his personal courage he set a example to the remainder of the line which was invaluable.'
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