1914-15 Star : Driver R Learoyd, 1 Divisional Train, AIF

1914-15 Star. Impressed reverse with recipient's details.

Rodney Learoyd was born in Liverpool New South Wales 1893. When war was declared, Learoyd enlisted almost immediately, on 20 August 1914. Stating his occupation as Railway Fireman, Learoyd was assigned the regimental number 257, the rank of driver, and allotted to 1 Divisional Train. The divisional train was made up of four service corps companies, a salvage company, three field ambulances, a sanitary section and a mobile veterinary section. Learoyd embarked for active service on the HMAT Afric, leaving Sydney on 18 October 1914. Arriving in Egypt, Learoyd’s unit were responsible for assisting with the logistics of canal defences. On 6 April 1915 they embarked for Mudros, making arrangements for sanitation and hospitals on the island prior to the Gallipoli campaign, and practicing disembarking troops for an amphibious assault. Part of the unit landed on Gallipoli on 25 April at 0830, and immediately set up supply depot and mule transport lines. For the duration of the Gallipoli campaign the Divisional Supply chain was involved in the provision of water, rations, ammunition and provisions for the troops.

After the Gallipoli campaign Learoyd embarked for Marseilles on 25 March 1916 on HMT Manito and was temporarily attached to the 1st Company Engineers in France in July 1916. The following month he rejoined his unit. In October 1916 Learoyd was attached for duty with the 1st Division Salvage Company, a position he maintained until August 1918. Rodney Learoyd returned to Australia departing on HMT Port Sydney from United Kingdom in October and arriving in Sydney on 2 December 1918. He was discharged from the AIF on 3 February 1919. Post-war Rodney did not marry. He died in 1976.