The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2430) Private Leslie Moxey, 35th Battalion (Infantry), First World War

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Nadrew Smith, the story for this day was on (2430) Private Leslie Moxey, 35th Battalion (Infantry), First World War.

2430 Private Leslie Moxey, 35th Battalion
KIA 7 June 1917
Photograph: P09326.001

Story delivered 12 October 2013

Today, we remember and pay tribute to Private Leslie Moxey.

Leslie Moxey was born in Williamtown, north of Newcastle, New South Wales. He was working as a labourer in July 1916 when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force, a month before his 30th birthday. After a period of training in Australia, he was sent overseas with the 4th reinforcements to the 35th Battalion.

After a further period of training in England, Moxey joined the 35th Battalion in the field on 25 May 1917. Just two weeks after Moxey arrived, the battalion participated in the battle of Messines. After three days of heavy artillery, the Allies blew up 19 mines under the German positions on the ridge. Despite thousands of German casualties from the mine blasts, and thousands more taken prisoner, the battle raged on for another week.

Private Leslie Moxey was killed in action on the first day of the operation. The manner of his death is unrecorded. He was hurriedly buried in what had been no-man's land before the attack. After the war, his grave was found and exhumed, and today he is buried in the Strand Military Cemetery, Belgium. Leslie Moxey never saw his 31st birthday.

Leslie's name was carried with pride by his nephew, and then his nephew's son. Another generation on, and Leslie's name is still a part of family tradition. He was not forgotten by those who loved him most, nor is he forgotten by the country he served.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, along with more than 60,000 others from the First World War, and his photograph is displayed today beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is but one of the many stories of courage and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private Leslie Moxey, and all those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.