Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The 57th Battalion, who were in reserve at the battle of Fromelles, were holding the front line at Fleurbaix. Pte Leslie Inglefinger was killed when the observation post he was occupying was hit by an enemy shell.

"PRIVATE LESLIE INGLEFINGER.

Chaplain Gordon W. B. Scott, C.F., writes to Mrs. Inglefinger from France, under date of 30th August, as follows:-

"Please accept my deepest sympathy in the recent sad bereavement which you have been called upon to undergo in the death of your son. He died a hero's death, killed in action while performing his duty. He was out in 'No Man's Land' doing his tour of duty, accompanied by another soldier. Their job was to wait in a listening post - a hole in the ground - and report to our lines anything they heard of the enemy's movenments during the hours they were out there. Unfortunately, an enemy shell burst out there and killed them both instantaneously. Next day their bcdies were brought in, and I laid them to rest in two adjoining graves in the little Britlsh military cemetery just behind the firing line. I am not permitted to mention the locality or number of grave, but it is a very beautiful little spot, well cared for. Each grave is turfed and marked with a simple wooden cross with metal name-plate attached. A very carefull registration is kept of all burials by headquarters so that when this war is ended relatives may satisfy their natural-desires for full particulars as to the last earthly resting place of their loved ones. May the God of loves pour upon you the fullness of his benediction and comfort. Yours, etc., Gordon W. B. Stott, C.F.

Private Alex. Cock, writing from Flanders on 9th August, gives the following account to Mrs. Inglefinger of Private Leslie Inglefinger's death:-

"No doubt long ere this reaches you, you will have received the sad intimation of the death of your lad Les, which occurred shortly before midnight on Sunday, 27th August. I was on fatigue duty in the firing line. Les came along to have his usual evening yarn with me. He seemed in good spirits, and was telling me he was to go out on listening post duty, a post situated in front of the firing line for observing and listening for any suspicious enemy movement. He left me about 8.30 o'clock, and the next I heard of him was on Monday morning, when I heard that a shell had caught the post, and that he was killed. It was a big shock to me. I lived near you all my life, so I considered it my dulty to let you know what really happened. I learned that the post was worked in shifts. Les was on first, and had completed his shift, and was sound asleep near the post when the shell canme over. Dear friend, your boy had a peaceful death, for he was asleep, and the explosion killed both he and the lad sleeping alongside him instantly. He suffered no pain whatsoever. The other three lads who were on the post with them were blown right out of the hole they were on duty in, but, fortunately, were unharmed. Some of Les's company went out and brought his body in last night, and I was present at his burial this morning. His own chaplain (Church of England) read the service over him in the presence of his colonel and a number of his company. The grave is situated in a British military cemetery in the rear of the firing line, and I will make it my duty to keep it in order while we are at this front. In conclusion, I trust that the One Who has promised to be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless may comfort and sustain you and yours., in your trial of sorrow. With kindest regards to you all, I remain your sincere friend, Alex. Cock." - from the Bendigonian 26 Oct 1916 (/admin/people/138743/Zoomplus%20thumb%20minus%20left%20thumb%20right%20up%20thumb%20down%20Show/hide)