Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Corporal John Leslie Daniel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel, of Wonruya Farm, Smythes-road, near Ballarat, was, at the time of enlistment, a teacher at School No. 427, Mt. Clear, and a Sergeant in the Citizen Forces. He commenced his education at Pitfeld, but, owing to the occupation of his father - that of a mine manager - necessitating frequent change of habitation, he subsequently attended school at Newbridge, Rokewood Junction, Buninyong, Eganstown, Mt. Pleasant, Golden Point, Humffray-street (Ballarat), and Mt. Clear.

At the age of 13 1/2 he won a School of Mines scholarship; but, removing, he was unable to take advantage of it. Subsequently, he attended Ballarat College, where he gained the esteem of all, his reports throughout being excellent. In two years, he passed his Junior Public examination, and, desiring 10 become a teacher, he expressed a wish to attend the Geelong High School for one year.

There again he distinguished himself, his conduct and diligence always being excellent. Though not gaining the coveted distinction of " Dux," he won second place, and, while there, passed the Senior Public examination. In due time, he was appointed junior teacher at Mt. Clear. There his head teachers held him in the highest esteem.

Well above the average in ability, with fine qualities of heart and mind, he was a type of lad that his Department and his country could ill spare. His future was full of promise when, on turning eighteen,

he answered the call of war. On the 21st of November, 1917, he left Melbourne in the Nestor. Sailing by way of Suez and Alexandria,Taranto and Cherbourg, he arrived at the Fovent Camp, Denton, near Salisbury, in January, 1918, being attached to the 20/21st Battalion, 6th Brigade, A.I.F.

While at Broadmeadows, he had attended an N.C.O. school, quickly rising to the rank of Corporal.

Again, in England, he attended an N.C.O. school, which held Tommies, Scotties, New Zealanders, Newfoundlanders, and Australians. There he topped the school.  Shortly after, he was sent to France, falling in the great advance before Amiens on the 8th of August, 1918.

In a letter to the bereaved parents, his chaplain writes:

"Your son fell in the great advance before Amiens on the 8th of August.....He was advancing bravely.....He was beloved by all the men, who sincerely mourn his loss."

One of his officers writes with a sad heart, for they were like brothers:

''Jack was a soldier and a man at all times, in or out of the line. A mother has lost a good son, the boys a good pal and friend, the nation a good, honest man and soldier, who has nobly given his life for women, children, and our loved ones."

Another excerpt, typical of the high esteem in which he was held by all, may be taken from a letter written to his mother by Mr. Polsen, of the Ballarat College:

"You have the pride of knowing he did his duty nobly, and has died a hero's death. He is going to be remembered. He was a boy of sound principle and of high moral character. We are proud to claim him as an old collegian."

His Departmental record shows that he was a youth of good natural aptitude, who gave promise of becoming a very successful teacher.

Source: The Education Department's Record of War Service, Victoria, 1914-1919.