Watch List notes:

Group of Four: Military Medal (GVR type 1); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19. 445 Pte L.T.Powell. 59/Aust:Inf: on first medal, 445 Pte L.T.Powell. 7/Bn. A.I.F. on second medal, 445 Pte L.T.Powell. 7 Bn. A.I.F. on last two medals. All medals impressed. Contact marks, otherwise fine.

Together with original Certificate of Discharge, preserved in an acid free pack; a swing mounted matching set of full-size replica medals.

MM: LG 21/10/1918, p12422; CAG 12/2/1919, p271.

Recommendation: For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. On 23rd June 1918 near Ville Sur Ancre during a raid it was reported that his Officer could not be found after the party returned to our lines. Although the protective barrage had ceased, he immediately volunteered and went back to the enemy trench to search for him. Throughout the raid, by his coolness and disregard of personal danger he set a fine example to the rest of his party. Strength of raiding party 1 Officer and 35 other ranks.

Leo Thomas Powell, jockey, age 23, born at Minyip, Vic; educated at Craig's Grammar School, Essendon and started his racing career by joining Crook's stables; Enl.17Aug1914 at Essendon, Vic and because of his horsemanship skills was given the post of orderly to Lt-Col H.E. 'Pompey' Elliott at Broadmeadows; Emb.21Oct1914; 05Apr1915 to MEF, Alexandria for Gallipoli Campaign with 7Bn; returned to Mex 17May1915 ill; prisoner 17Oct1915 on board Menomince for being AWL 16Sep-17Oct1915 at Maadi; TOS 15 Inf Bde HQ 07Mar1916 Temp detached to Aust Postal Corps 27May1916; Rejoined 7Bn 01May1918; TOS 59Bn 04May1918; awarded MM 10Jul1918; to Aust Corps Senior Officer School 14Jul1918; rejoined unit 21Jul1918; RTA 23Oct1918 for Special 1914 Leave; Disemb.25Dec1918; Disch.23Feb1919; Died suddenly 13Jan1951 and buried 16Jan at Fawkner Cemetery after a service at St Monica's Church, Moonee Ponds, Vic.

In March 1919 it was reported that a prominent owner purchased a colt at the Newmarket yearling sales and presented it to Leo Powell, a former leading Melbourne jockey, in recognition of his gallantry while on active service.

With copy of Service File.
($2700-3000)