JACKSON, Leslie Alfred
| Service Number: | 1673 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 1 December 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 55th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, 1898 |
| Home Town: | Wagga Wagga, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Christian Brothers School, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation: | Blacksmith |
| Died: | Lane Cove, New South Wales, Australia, 15 July 1966, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: | Wagga Wagga Victory Memorial Arch |
World War 1 Service
| 1 Dec 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 1673, 55th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Apr 1916: | Involvement Private, 1673, 55th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '19' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Ceramic embarkation_ship_number: A40 public_note: '' | |
| 14 Apr 1916: | Embarked Private, 1673, 55th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Ceramic, Sydney | |
| 15 May 1917: | Honoured Military Medal, 'great courage and devotion to duty' |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Stephen Brooks
Born in 1898, Leslie Jackson was a schoolboy of 17 years when he enlisted. Les joined up with his brother, Allan Raymond ‘Sacko’ Jackson when the ‘Kangaroos’ left Wagga Wagga on their famous march, and later both brothers were detailed into the 55th Battalion. The Kangaroo March, which started with 88 men, departed Wagga Wagga for Sydney on 1 December 1915. The brothers were given consecutive regimental numbers.
Leslie was awarded a Military Medal, ‘During the enemy attack on front line facing Queant on 15th May 1917, Private Jackson, whilst acting as a stretcher bearer, showed great courage and devotion to duty. Although under direct enemy observation, he carried out his duties continuously for 17 hours without rest, and in a manner worthy of the highest commendation. Although an untrained stretcher bearer, he, together with the rest of the bearing party, saved by first aid the lives of seriously wounded men. The Commanding Officer of the 54th Battalion wrote an appreciative letter for the help given, and specially mentioned the stretcher bearing party for their good work.’
The two brothers wrote regularly to their parents in Wagga and during the course of the war, ‘Sacko’ Jackson was promoted to Lieutenant and Les served in the same section.
Second Lieutenant Allan Raymond Jackson 55th Battalion was killed in action near Peronne 30 September 1918, aged 28.
Leslie Alfred Jackson returned to Wagga Wagga in mid-1919.