Military Medal : Sergeant L Climpson, 13 Battalion, AIF

Military Medal (Geo V). Impressed on edge with recipient's details.

Leonard Climpson was born in Brixton, London, England in 1886 and later migrated to Australia. He was employed as an assistant chemist when he enlisted in the AIF at Sydney on 13 July 1916. After initial training with the depot battalion at Dubbo Climpson was assigned as a private to 13th Battalion with the service number 6713. He sailed from Sydney aboard the SS Port Nicholson on 8 November 1916 as part of the 22nd reinforcements for the battalion.

After training in England, Climpson joined his battalion in France on 6 April, 1917. He was promoted to lance corporal on 10 May. He was appointed a temporary corporal on 1 October 1917, but contracted trench fever whilst in the front line and was evacuated to England on 8 December 1917. Climpson spent the next six months in hospital and convalescence in Birmingham and Longbridge Deverill, England. He returned to France on 21 June 1918.

During August and September 1918 the 13th Battalion operated in the area between Morlancourt and Sailly-Laurette. On 12 August 1918, Climpson was wounded but remained in the line. On this same date, he was appointed a temporary sergeant. A few days later he was recommended for the award of a Military Medal, which was not gazetted until the following year. The recommendation reads: 'During the advance on 18 September 1918 near Le Verguier, when his company was approaching their final objective, Sergeant Climpson displayed conspicuous gallantry and initiative. An enemy machine gun opened fire on the left flank and threatened to hold up the advance. Climpson deployed his section immediately and worked around to a flank. Then seizing his opportunity he gallantly rushed the gun and succeeded in capturing it and a number of prisoners. His action materially assisted the success of the advance.' The week after this action, he was detached to the United States Army for a short time.

In October 1918 suffering from cellulitis to his right arm, which required treatment in hospital treatment in England, Climpson relinquished his temporary rank. He saw no further active service and left England aboard the ship 'City of Exeter' in January 1919 for return to Australia. Ship's orders record his appointment as acting Company Quarter Master Sergeant for this voyage, however he reverted back to the rank of corporal in March 1919. Climpson was discharged from the AIF, medically unfit, in May 1919.

• British War Medal 1914-20 : Sergeant L Climpson, 13 Battalion, AIF
• Victory Medal : Sergeant L Climpson, 13 Battalion, AIF