Boase, Leonard Charles, 1888 - 1975

DETAILS

Name Leonard Charles Boase, 1888 - 1975BiographyDate of Birth: 5 July 1888, Gympie (Qld.) Date of Death: 6 August 1975, Nambour (Qld.) Buried: Albany Creek Crematorium Queensland Leonard Charles was the second son of Charles Boase and Harriet Jane Hughes who lived at Medway, Caboolture, Queensland. He was 27 years and working as a clerk when he enlisted in 1916. He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led a bombing party against a company of the enemy with great dash and skill, capturing some and forcing others into the open under fire of our machine guns. He afterwards held out in an isolated position until his ammunition was expended, keeping the enemy heavily engaged and allowing the troops who were working up to operate with greater freedom. He displayed remarkable initiative and resource during both occasions. [Commonwealth Gazette No. 219 p3380, 20 December 1917]. Leonard Charles was wounded & captured while fighting in France on 5 April 1918. He was interred in Schweidnitz Prisoner of War camp in Germany on 6 May and repatriated to England on 25 December 1918. Leonard was awarded the Distinguished Service Order On 4th April, 1918 he commanded a platoon of a battalion holding the line from Buire to Dernancourt. On the 5th the enemy launched a strong attack between Dernancourt and Menulte, which was broken up by the fire of his platoon. Though wounded, he continued to lead his men splendidly and inflicted very heavy casualties on the enemy, holding up their attack for at least two hours. He showed marked gallantry and ability to command, and rendered valuable service. [Commonwealth Gazette No. 129, p1726, dated 20th January 1919.] On his return to Australia in February 1919 Leonard married Ada May Hockings on 31 May 1919 at Albion, Queensland. Three other siblings, Allan Joseph [W1999], Colin Arthur [686] was killed at Gallopoli, and Francis Henry [376] also served overseas.Birth date05 July 1888Death date06 August 1975

Service Personnel

Leonard Charles Boase, SN 1621, Service Record