Doing our bit, Mosman 1914-1918 -- Leonard Charles Robson

confirmed

Born: 17 October 1894

Died: 5 December 1964

A graduate Mathematics student at Sydney University who enlisted in the AIF on 6 September 1915. He embarked for Egypt with 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station on 8 November and arrived in late December 1915.

He was transferred on 13 January to Australian Base Medical Stores and then on 15 March to the 18th Battalion. He arrived in Marseilles, France on 25 March and immediately proceeded with his unit to Thiennes in northern France. In August 1916, he was sent to Officer Cadet training and on 28 October he received his commission.

He rejoined his Battalion on 13 December and was appointed Adjutant. He was Mentioned in Despatches in September 1917 "(f)or the faithful and efficient discharge of his duties".

He was awarded the Military Cross. The recommendation made in March 1918 for the award was as follows:

"This officer has acted as Adjutant since December 1916 and has rendered faithful and devoted service. The operations in Flanders during September 1917 and October 1917 made particularly heavy demands on him, and throughout he has been untiring in his efforts and his services during that period of heavy fighting and adverse weather conditions were invaluable to his Battalion Commander."

He had been awarded Sydney University's 1916 Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University and was granted leave with pay until 30 November 1919 to commence his studies at New College. His appointment in the AIF was terminated on 30 January 1920. After completing his studies, he married in November 1920 then embarked for Australia via the USA in December and arrived in February 1921. He was appointed Headmaster of Shore School in 1922. [JSB]