Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"Sgt. L. Batty, first S.A. to win the D.C.M.

Sgt. L. Batty, A.I.F. of Mt. Gambier, who returned home recently, has the unique distinction of being the first S.A. man to be awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. He is also the first to return home, although the three men of Sgt. Batty's carrier crew were awarded Military Medals, one being wounded. Here is the story as given by the C.O. of the Battalion. Leonard William Charles Batty has been awarded the D.C.M. for his great bravery and dash when he took his Bren-gun carrier directly up to an enemy battery under heavy fire from anti-tank and machine guns and engaged it at a distance of 50 yards. His audacious determination and bravery in face of fire impressed and encouraged the other troops engaged. It was a big factor in maintaining the vigor of the attack and in the success of the operations. The successful raid was led by Sgt. Batty's section of carriers of which he was the commander. His gunner, Pte. Daniels, was awarded the Military Medal for courage and determination, and his driver Pte. Spavin also received this medal for the dash and determination he showed when, under instructions from Sgt. Batty he drove the carrier directly towards the enemy position, without consideration of the risk. The carrier was driven within 50 yards of the enemy battery and, was under constant heavy fire at point blank range. The carrier received a direct hit and was put out of action. Sgt. Batty and his three men left the machine and took up posi-tions behind it, engaging the enemy from there, and it was then he and his gunner were wounded. Pte. Spavin continued to engage the enemy with his rifle, preventing their approach, until the arrival of our infantry 20 minutes later. Sgt- Batty, who was wounded in the right arm, is now a convalescent at "Kapara," Glenelg, and is hoping to soon visit in the Rosedale district before returning to his home at Mt. Gambier." - from the Gawler Bunyip 04 Jul 1941 (nla.gov.au)