Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"THE LATE CORPORAL LES. SNEYD, D.C.M.

Mr. and Mrs, G. C. Sneyd, of Mount Gambier, have been officially informed that their youngest son, Corporal Leslie Sneyd, D.C.M., was killed in action in France on November 5th. The deceased soldier, who was educated at the Mount Gambier State and High schools, was 23 years of age. In 1911 he joined the South Australian Railways as a junior porter. He studied at the School of Mines, and was successful at the railway clerical examination. He then entered the Passenger Superintendent's office. Continuing his studies, he entered for and passed, the railway professional examination, and was transferred to the Engineer-in-Chief's office. There he was employed until the time of his enlistment on August 4, 1915. He left for Egypt the following January, where he was stationed until March. He accompanied his battalion to France, where he remained until the time of his death. He fought in Belgium and France, and took part in the now famous attack on Pozieres, where he fought continuously for 50 hours. Subsequently he was made a corporal and decorated with the D.C.M. by General Birdwood for conspicuous gallantry in observation work, carrying water and rations, and stretcher-bearing. He found his knowledge of "first aid" gained in the railway of great value to his wounded comrades. He was a member of the North Adelaide Football Club, and won the high jump and hurdle race at the battalion sports at Morphettville. He was also selected to represent the battalion at the military sports in France, winning the high jump and obstacle race." - from the Adelaide Chronicle 30 Dec 1916 (nla.gov.au)