Morshead, Leslie James

Date of birth:: September 18th, 1899 (Ballarat/Victoria, Australia)
Date of death:: September 26th, 1959 (Sydney/New South Wales, Australie)
Service number:: NX8
Nationality:: Australian

Biography

Leslie Morshead reached the rank of Lieutenant General.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Major
Unit:: 2nd Infantry Battalion, Australian Army
Awarded on:: January 28th, 1916

For his services in the Gallipoli campaign:

"Held his portion of the section allotted to his Battalion after the capture of Lone Pine, against overwhelming odds and was indefatigable in consolidating his position."

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Awarded on:: June 1st, 1917

Chevalier de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Unit:: 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Australian Army
Awarded on:: January 29th, 1919

For gallantry, initiative and ability in action during the operations on Somme in August, 1918.
On the 6th August, 1918, during the attack east of Hahkl, Lieut-Colonel MORSHEAD was in command of the special forces for the purpose of clearing Accroche Wood. He executed this task with great skill, and then fought his battalion to its objecitives, capturing 500 prisoners, many guns and a large quantity of material at very little cost to his own forces.
Subsequently during the advance North of BRAY on the 22nd to 24th August, 1918, when the situation on his left flank was uncertain, Lieut-Colonel MORSHEAD gallantly maintained his position refusing his left flank, thus enabling the remained of his brigade to maintan its position.
On the 30th/41th August. North of Olehy, this officer again fought his battalion with great abbility and success.
His military ability, fine fighting spirit and oheerfulness under alll circumstances, had a most inspiriting offoot upoin all ranks and contributed greatly to the success of the operation.

Chevalier de l' Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: First World War (1914-1918)
Rank:: Lieutenant-Colonel
Awarded on:: June 1st, 1917

This officer has displayed conspicuous ability in administration and organisation of his battalion, which has attained a high standard of fighting efficiency. His energetic attention to the training of his officers and men prior to embarkation was responsible for the smoothness and despatch with which his battalion relieved a British battalion in the line a few days after arriving at the front. Since the battalion has taken its place in the line it has proved itself to be an efficient fighting unit due to this officer's personality and marked capacity for command. He organised and controlled two raids on the enemy's trenches and carried them out successfully. His courage and strong personality has created an excellent spirit in all ranks of the battalion. This officer previously served at Gallipoli.