BANFIELD, Leonard John
| Service Numbers: | Not yet discovered |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Captain |
| Last Unit: | 18th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Cobbitty, New South Wales, Australia, 25 July 1875 |
| Home Town: | Ryde, Ryde, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | School Teacher |
| Died: | Killed In Action, Gallipoli, 22 August 1915, aged 40 years |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" |
| Memorials: | Lone Pine Memorial to the Missing, Parramatta NSW Public School Teachers KIA Honour Roll, Parramatta NSW Public School Teachers Who Served Abroard Honour Roll, Ryde Public School Roll of Honour |
World War 1 Service
| 25 Jun 1915: | Involvement Captain, 18th Infantry Battalion, ANZAC / Gallipoli, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '12' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Ceramic embarkation_ship_number: A40 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Jun 1915: | Embarked Captain, 18th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Ceramic, Sydney |
Our Hero at Gallipoli - Great, Great Grandpa Leonard
Captain Leonard John Banfield lived in Cobbity on the outskirts of Sydney in NSW. Around the age of 40, he enlisted in the AIF and was deployed to Gallipoli, leaving behind his wife and children.
As the leader of his platoon, Captain Banfield’s team comprised primarily of teenage soldiers which, by our families recollection, was reminiscent of his time as teacher.
During intensive combat, a grenade landed in their trench. In the ultimate act of heroism, bravery and sacrifice, Captain Banfield leapt onto the grenade in order to try and protect the teenage soldiers around him. His courage will always be remembered by his relatives and his heroism has been formally acknowledged. In recent years, Banfield Drive in Oran Park was named in his honour.
About the Author:
After the war, Captain Banfield’s daughter, Margaret Banfield married Cecil Thompson, my great grandfather. Their son John, my grandfather, named in honour of Captain Banfield passed away in 2019. As his granddaughter, I proudly share the story of his Grandpa Leonard (my great, great grandfather) as it was passed on to me. A high school history teacher, just like Captain Leonard was, I am honoured to share his story and continue his legacy.
Submitted 25 April 2024 by Jessica Thompson
Click images to start slideshow.