Military History

O’Grady enlisted with Artillery Reinf. He was transferred for training to Maribyrnong, Vic. 15.8.1916. He transferred to the 118^th Howitzer Brigade 31.8.1916 and promoted to Acting Bdr. prior to embarkation.
Embarked Melbourne per HMAT ‘Aeneus’ A60 for England 2.10.1916.
Roll Rank Acting Bombardier.
Roll Unit 118th Howitzer Brigade.

O’Grady disembarked at Plymouth 19.11.1916. He proceeded overseas to France and marched in to the 3^rd Division Army Details (DAD)12.1.1917. He transferred to the 3^rd Division Ammunition Column (DAC) and taken on strength 10.3.1917 and then transferred to the 3^rd Australian General Base Details (AGBD) 20.3.1917. O’Grady was transferred to the 2^nd Division Field Artillery 25.6.1917. He was taken on strength with the 4^th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB) 2.7.1917. He was promoted to Temp. Cpl. 4.10.1917, to Cpl. 9.1.1918 and Sgt. 12.2.1918. O’Grady developed Influenza 26.6.1918 and was hospitalised for a week, returning to join his Bde 26.6.1918. O’Grady was wounded in action  at Joncourt and remained on duty despite his injuries 7.8.1918. (West Australian Newspaper 16.9.1918). He was recommended for the Belgian Croix de Guerre 13.10.1918. O’Grady was promoted to T/Bombardier, Sgt Major (BSM) 19.2.1919. On demobilisation he was granted leave to study Agricultural Instruction in Denmark 15.7.1919 - 15.9.1919.

Embarked for Australia per  HT ‘Pakeham’  6.10.1919.
Returned/ Disembarked  Fremantle 16.11.1919
Discharged 31.12.1919.
Final Rank T/ Bn Sgt. Major, 11^th Battery 4^th FAB .AIF.
Medical Condition NK.
Awards and Medals Croix de Guerre,  British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Recommendation for Belgian Croix de Guerre( London Gazette 5.4.1918):
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On the 8^th October 1916 near Joncourt, this NC when in charge of his gun, was heavily shelled, he handled his subsection in a masterly manner and by his coolness ans splendid example kept his gun team in action under most trying conditions and enabled a most important Barrago to be kept up, thereby assisting the advancing Infantry. Several ties in thses operations from 3^rd October to 6 October 1916, his own gun in action was subject to heavy enemy shelling, by his devotion to duty and disregard of his own safety he kept his men together and greatly assisted his Commanding Officer through most important operations. His strong leadership set a splendid example for all.’
(Citation in AWM Honours and Awards)

Notes Brothers Albert (SN 6626 ) and James (SN 3526) served in WW1
Photo HMAT 'Aeneus'. Photographer unknown, photograph source State Library NSW image  a636033r 
         10th Field Artillery Bde. 4th Division, passing through park of Chateau de Hooges Oct.1917. Photographer Hurley J.F., photograph source AWM E01220
           Swiss Cottage near Joncourt 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E03773
           Shell damaged church at Joncourt 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced AWM E03770
           

Information Source
AWM E01220. 10th Field Artillery Bde. 4th Division, passing through park of Chateau de Hooges Oct.1917. Photographer Hurley J.F., photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E0298. Ruins of Chateaux near Villers-Bretonneux 1918. Photograph sourced  from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E03773. Swiss Cottage near Joncourt 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E37700.Shell damaged church at Joncourt. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll- Leonard O’Grady
AWM Honours and Awards Leonard O’Grady.
Guildford War Memorial
NAA: B2455, O’Grady Leonard
SLNSW image a636033r. HMAT 'Aeneus'. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the State Library of New South Wales
West Australian Newspaper

 

77 James Street, Guildford. WA.

 

 

Associated Images