Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant

Unit:

2/1st Australian Infantry Battalion, 16th Australian Infantry Brigade, 6th Australian Division, Australian Army

Awarded on:

March 11th, 1943

On EORA RIDGE, NORTH of the creek crossing at approx 1600 hrs on 23 Oct 42, the Pioneer P1 under Command of Lieut G. Leaney was sent up the feature to the left to harrass the enemy holding up "B" coys progress in front. Lieut Leaney reached his position and contacted the enemy where an L.M.G. was captured & 4 Japs were killed. The enemy countered by attacking the Pioneers who were forced back. Lieut Leaney again went forward - alone- into enemy territory and brought out a wounded man - Pte Richards.
The next day the Pioneers advanced, made contact, drove back the Japs and consolidated in a forward positions after killing 3 more Japs. During the next two days the P1 by its offensive patrolling forced the enemy further back until the Pnr P1 was on a position to fire into the enemy from the high ground on the enemy's right flank. It is considered that the success of these operations was greatly due to the qualities of leadership and courage of a high order, shown by Lieut Leaney, and he is recommended for a Military Cross."

Posthumously awarded