Leonard Chippindall

(Confirmed)

Born: 8 October, 1895

Died: 4 October, 1974

Biographical Summary:

A clerk who enlisted in the AIF on 12 January 1916. He and his twin brother, Herbert Chippindall, embarked for England on 11 May 1916 and arrived on 10 July 1916.

He joined the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column in France in late November 1916 and was transferred to the 7th Field Artillery Brigade on 7 July 1917. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery at Mericourt-l’Abbe, Somme, France on 9 April 1918. The recommendation for the award was as follows:

“On 9th April, 1918, near Mericourt w. (sic) of Albert, the 25th Battery was in the area subjected to a very heavy area shoot, during which a small barn containing ammunition and material, and in which 4 men were sleeping, was hit direct (sic) by a 5.9 shell and set on fire. One man was killed, another wounded, and the remainder completely dazed.

Gunner Chippindall rushed to the burning shed, and succeeded in clearing the men from the debris. He then managed to put out the fire, thereby saving a considerable quantity of ammunition and material.

During the whole time, shells were falling fast, and this gunner displayed great courage and coolness.”

One of the dazed men was his twin brother Herbert Chippindall. Two days later he was wounded (left cheek) in action but remained on duty.

He embarked for Australia on 29 May 1919 and arrived on 25 July 1919. He was discharged from the AIF on 8 September 1919. [JSB]

Recorded Names: