British War Medal 1914-20 : Corporal L M Henderson, 47th Battalion

British War Medal 1914-20. Impressed around edge with recipient's details.

Relating to the service of Corporal Leonard Matthew Henderson, who was born 11 November 1893 in Aramac, Queensland. Henderson enlisted with the Australian Imperial force (A.I.F) on 30 July 1915, starting his service as a private with the 11th Reinforcements, 15th Battalion. He embarked 83 days later aboard HMAT Seang Bee, bound for Egypt. Shortly after the Seang Bee arrived in Egypt, the 15th Battalion was split as part of the “doubling” of the AIF. Henderson was transferred to the 12th Light Trench Mortar Battery (LTMB), 47th Battalion. The 47th Battalion arrived in France on 9 June 1916, participating in battles at Pozieres (August 1916), Bullecourt (April 11th 1917) and Messines (June 7th-12th 1917). Following the battle of Messines, Henderson was awarded a Military Medal for actions whilst under heavy fire. He was then promoted to corporal on June 25th 1917, remaining with the 47th Battalion as it continued its actions in France.

On the 5th of April 1918, the 47th Battalion was in the front line defending the railway line from Buire to Albert at Dernancourt. During this battle, Henderson was struck by a shell and killed in action. A special cross was placed at the Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension with his regimental details and the words “believed to be buried in the cemetery, actual grave unknown.”