Norman William Leeson

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Thu, 07/12/2017 - 12:51

First Name:

Norman

Middle Name:

William

Last Name:

Leeson

Mother's Name:

Elizabeth Leeson

Father's Name:

Joseph Leeson

Date Enlisted:

Tuesday, March 28, 1916

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

35th Battalion

Company:

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Thursday, May 17, 1917

Place of Death:

Belgium

Cause of Death:

Killed in action

Details:

Norman William Leeson (Service No 2347) was born in Sydney, N.S.W., in 1898.

At enlistment he stated he was 22 years old, but in fact he was only 18 years old, single, worked as a milk carter and had served with the Militia. Norman listed his mother, who was a widow, as his next of kin.

Norman embarked on HMAT A30 Borda with the 35th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement, on 17th October 1916. He disembarked in England on 9th January 1917, and then went to France, arriving on 29th March 1917. Norman joined the 35th Battalion, A Company, in the field on 18th April 1917.

On 25th May 1917, he was with a working party repairing a trench when a shell exploded. Norman and 2 others were killed.

Norman is buried in Strand Military Cemetery, Belgium, Plot III, Row A, Grave 4.

In 1935, a letter arrived from a Joseph Leeson in Queensland asking for information on a son Norman.

Norman Leeson is commemorated for his service on the Corrimal Public School Monument.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, LEESON NORMAN WILLIAM