Leane, Allan Edwin (Captain, b.1894 - d.1917)

Collection relating to the First World War service of Captain Allan Edwin Leane, 48 Battalion, AIF, Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front, 1915-1917. Collection primarily consists around 30 letters written by Captain Leane to family members at home, spanning 1915-1917. A couple of the letters are incomplete. Also included in the collection are a few copied messages forms, a black and white portrait photograph and document in French which appears to be an official request related to Bapaume in 1918. Capt Leane died on 2 May 1917 as a prisoner of war in a German hospital, from wounds received at Bullecourt.

The letters in this collection, written by Captain Leane to family members, reflect the very deep affection and respect he felt for his family, particularly his father Colonel Edwin Thomas Leane, and his uncles. Leane frequently mentions his desire to make his mother proud of him, and his ambition to rise through the ranks. Several letters contain vivid and lengthy descriptions of Leane's experiences, including severe storms, gruelling marches, and particularly the Battle of Pozieres. He also writes at length of the harsh conditions on the Western front during the 1916-1917 winter.

Biographical note: Captain Allan Edwin Leane, 48 Battalion, AIF, who died on 2 May 1917 of wounds received at Bullecourt. Other biographical details concerning him are: Insurance Inspector; of Adelaide, South Australia, born Adelaide; educated at State School; age at time of death, 23. Had been a compulsory trainee. He was the son of Colonel Edwin Thomas Leane, AIF Headquarters, and the nephew of Brigadier General Raymond Lionel Leane, Lieutenant Colonel Allan William Leane, Major Benjamin Bennett Leane and 373 WO. I Ernest Albert Leane, Australian Ordnance Corps.