Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From the book Fallen Saints - Leonard Buxton Laurie of Salisbury, South Australia was born in Adelaide. He was educated at Queen’s School, the Collegiate School of St Peter and the University of Adelaide and after completing his degree in teaching became a schoolmaster.  He enlisted in Adelaide on 2 October 1916 and a week later was posted to A Company, 2nd Depot Battalion where after three days he was made a provisional corporal. Although his only previous military experience was 12 months in the cadets at the School he was a fast learner and during training at Mitcham Camp, passed a Trench Warfare Course and a Musketry Course.  Originally he joined the 19th reinforcements for the 27th Battalion but this was changed and he was reallotted to the 23rd quota for the 10th Battalion.  The 23rd quota sailed from Adelaide aboard HMAT Berrima on 16 December upon arrival in England Laurie was reverted to Private. He was admitted to Parkhouse Military Hospital with Mumps on 5 April 1917 and after recovery proceeded to France on 14 May and was taken on the strength of the battalion a fortnight later.

On 1 October 1917 he was appointed to the position of second lieutenant and was severely wounded in action during a raid on Celtic Wood on 9 October.

Second Lieutenant Laurie was treated at 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station for gunshot wounds to the buttocks, left leg, and was invalided to England on 22 October.

Speaking about the raid from his bed in 3rd General Hospital, Wandsworth England on 4 November 1917, Laurie said, ‘I was on a raid in the early morning of the 9th Oct/17. When Lt. Wilsdon with his platoon was on my left as we advanced. We reached the German lines when we were heavily fired on by machine guns and snipers, causing heavy casualties. On our return Lt. Wilsdon was reported missing. I know no further details. This raid took place on the other side of Broodsand (sic) Ridge. I think that is possible that he was wounded and captured.’ [i]

Cpl Francis Thomas Aquilla Wood, 10th Battalion AIF - Citation for Military Medal.

During a raid made by his Battalion on Celtic Wood, east of Ypres on the morning of October 9, 1917, Cpl Wood led his section with great brilliancy and during hand to hand fighting his courage was admired by all who witnessed his work. Later when returning to the front line he carried in his officer (2nd Lt. Laurie) who had been badly wounded. This was done under heavy artillery and rifle fire. [ii]

On 22 January 1918, Second Lieutenant Laurie was promoted to Lieutenant, and after recovering from his wounds was discharged fit for full duties at the end of March. He rejoined the 10th Battalion in France on 11 April but was wounded in action on 27 April near Meteren and died later that night; he was 23 years of age.

In a letter of reply to the enquires officer at the Australian Red Cross Hospital dated 29 June 1918, Nursing Sister Maddox wrote that Lieutenant Laurie’s Aunt ( Mrs Waterhouse) had called at the Hospital the day before to ask for particulars relating to the death of her nephew.

She was most kindly received and promised the help of the Red Cross in this matter. On arriving home however, she found a letter from the Military Chaplain of the 10th Battalion, giving full details. She trusts therefore that this letter may save the trouble of making further enquiries on the part of the Red Cross Society, to whom she is deeply grateful for their kindness.[iii]

In a letter to the OIC Base Records Lieutenant Colonel Wilder-Neligan reported that after Laurie was wounded near Meteren on 27 April, he was evacuated to a Field Medical Unit at Godewaersvelde but died that night.

His body was buried by the Battalion Chaplain (Chaplain Makeham) near Caestre (Sheet 27 W.2.6.6.6.) and a cross has been erected. Personal effects recovered have been sent to the base. … [iv]

According to information provided by Leonard’s mother one of his cousins was killed in action and two others were wounded. [v]

[i] Australian War Memorial, Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau files - 2nd Lieutenant Walter Harry Wilsdon / 2971108, viewed 5 April 2006
[ii] Australian War Memorial, Honours and Awards (Recommendations): First World War - Wood, Francis Thomas Aquilla / 1/34P2 - 1st Australian Division - 1/10/1917 to 10/10/1917 Citation: AWM 28 1/34P2, p. 37 -viewed 5 April 2006
[iii] Australian War Memorial, Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau files - Lieutenant Leonard Buxton Laurie / 1560211, viewed 5 April 2006
[iv] National Archives of Australia: B 2455, -Laurie Leonard Buxton, / 7379892, viewed 5 April 2006
[v] Australian War Memorial, Roll of Honour Cards 145, 1914-1918 War - Laurie, Leonard Buxton, viewed 5 April 2006