Leslie Copeland
History
Known as Leslie Gordon Copeland, he was a Loco Engine Cleaner, before he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces on 16th August 1915, aged 19 years 9 months, service number 4165, he was assigned to the 13/5th Battalion. [1]
He embarked at Melbourne with the 5th Battalion from Melbourne on HMAT Demosthenes on 29 December 1915. He later transferred to the 1st Pioneer Battalion on 20 December 1915. Lance Corporal was wounded in the hand in France 5 August 1916, he rejoined his unit 13 October, 1916. He was promoted to Lance Corporal, after which he was briefly attached to the 21st Machine Gun Company. [2]
On 24 August 1918, aged 22, he was killed in action and was buried in the Heath Cemetery, Picardie, France. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Memorial Medal and the Victory Medal. [3]
Legacy
Known as Leslie Gordon Copeland, is listed on the Timor Primary School Honour Roll and the Bowenvale Honor Roll
Family
Father: Nicholas Copeland
Mother: Amy Copeland
Obituary
See also
Notes
IN -MEMORIAM SERVICE.
On Sunday evening last an In Memoriam" service to the late Lance-Cor poral Leslie Gordon Copeland, who fell on the 23rd August last, whilst nobly doing his duty somewhere on the battlefield, in France, after nearly three years of faithful service for King, Empire and country. There was a large congregation present and the communion rail was, out of respect to the fallen hero, draped with the colors of his battalion, and with wreaths of green laurel attached to it. The vases on the recess table were filled with choice white flowers, whilst the Union Jack was hung in front of the pulpit. This work was done by the young ladies of the Decorators' Guild, of St. John's. The service opened with the first verse of the National Anthem and suitable hymns were sung for the solemn occasion. Mr.W. S. White conducted the service, basing his remarks on Mark ix: 4. The: preacher said they were met together that evening to think of one whose name was on the honor board at the western end of the church -Leslie Gordon Copeland- whose name answered his country's call, and had sacrificed a most noble and beautiful life in doing his best to avoid the invasion of a deadly foe. The memory of Leslie Gordon Copeland would live long in the hearts of them all and they prayed that God would bless the soul of the departed hero, and also that He would comfort and bless the hearts of those dear ones left behind to mourn their loss After the offering was taken up the congregation remained standing while "The Dead March" was played by the organist (Mr. P. Powell). The committee and members of the church extended to Mr. and Mrs. Copeland and family their deepest Christian sympathy.
References
Further Reading
External links
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10330833
--Sue McPhan 10:28, 17 May 2022 (AEST)