17 February 2022

KIA at Lone Pine

Leo John Wyman was a 23 year old labourer living in Clare, South Australia when war broke out in Europe. He was an early enlistee into the 9th Light Horse Regiment. 

His service record is rather light on with his service details. It shows that he enlisted, departed Melbourne with the 9 LHR 3rd reinforcements and arrived at Gallipoli. Nothing remarkable, until 9 August 1915 when Leo was killed in action at the Battle of Lone Pine. Leo was originally buried at Russell's Top but late reburied at Walker's Ridge


The remainder of Leo's service record provides a few details about the administration that occurred after his family were notified of his death and indicates that he was awarded the WWI trio of medals. Unfortunately, the 1914-15 Star is missing.

Following Leo's family through the SA records was a little difficult and I had to make several assumptions. I eventually concluded that Leo's grandson was a prominent member of the SA Life Saving community. After contacting him, I was put in touch with Nicol, Leo's great granddaughter who I'll send the medals to in the near future.

The returned medal tally is now 2700. It is very nice that the first medals returned from the RSL Care SA bag take me past this milestone.
Thanks to Nicole from the South Port SLSC for connecting me to Leo's family.


Leo in uniform
Leo prior to enlistment








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