Leonard Keysor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leonard Keysor
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Lieutenant Leonard Keysor c. 1917
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| Born | 3 November 1885 Maida Vale, London, England |
| Died | 12 October 1951 (aged 65) Paddington, London, England |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ |
Australian Imperial Force |
| Years of service | 1914–18 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | 1st Battalion 42nd Battalion |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Leonard Maurice Keysor (3 November 1885 – 12 October 1951) was an Australian soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the highest award for bravery given to soldiers from Britain and Commonwealth countries. It's given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Born in England, Keysor moved to Australia just before World War I started. He joined the army in 1914. He fought in Egypt and then at Gallipoli. At Gallipoli, on 7 August 1915, Keysor showed incredible bravery. He was an acting lance-corporal at the time. His actions earned him the Victoria Cross. Later, he fought in France on the Western Front. He became a lieutenant before leaving the army due to health reasons. After the war, Keysor worked in Sydney, Australia. He then moved back to England and started a business. He tried to rejoin the military in World War II but couldn't due to his health. He passed away in 1951.
Early Life
Leonard Maurice Keysor was born in Maida Vale, London, England, on 3 November 1885. He was the third of five children. His father, Benjamin Kyezor, imported clocks. Leonard went to school at Townley Castle in Ramsgate.
After school, Keysor traveled to Canada in 1904. He lived there for ten years. In 1914, he moved to Australia. His brother Stanley and sister Madge were already living there. Keysor worked as a clerk in Sydney, New South Wales.
Military Career
Keysor had only been in Australia for about three months when World War I began. He joined the Australian Imperial Force on 18 August 1914. He was a private in the 1st Battalion. This unit was forming at Randwick.
On 18 October 1914, he sailed overseas with the first group of soldiers. First, he served in Egypt. There, Australians helped defend the Suez Canal from Turkish forces. On 25 April 1915, he landed at Gallipoli, Turkey. He took part in the fierce fighting on the peninsula. On 20 June 1915, he was promoted to lance corporal. Soon after, he fought in the Battle of Lone Pine in August.
Bravery at Lone Pine
During the Battle of Lone Pine, Keysor performed the brave actions that earned him the Victoria Cross. Early on 6 August 1915, the 1st Battalion attacked at Lone Pine. This was a diversionary attack, meaning it was meant to distract the enemy. After heavy fighting, they captured the Turkish trenches.
For the next three days, the Turks tried to get the position back. The fighting was very close, using bayonets and handmade bombs. For about 50 hours on 7–8 August, Keysor bravely risked his life. He would pick up Turkish grenades thrown into the trenches and throw them back. Even after being wounded and told to get medical help, Keysor stayed. He volunteered to throw bombs for another company.
Service in France
After the battle, Keysor left Gallipoli because he was sick with enteric fever. He later rejoined the 1st Battalion in France in early 1916. In March 1916, Keysor fought in the Battle of Pozières. In November 1916, he moved to the 42nd Battalion. He was promoted to sergeant on 1 December.
On 13 January 1917, he became an officer. He was promoted to second lieutenant. Six months later, he became a lieutenant. On 28 March 1918, Keysor was wounded and left the front line. He returned to fight at Villers-Bretonneux. There, he was affected by gas on 26 May 1918.
In October 1918, the Australian army needed more soldiers. Keysor returned to Australia to help with a recruiting campaign. He was discharged from the army on medical grounds on 12 December 1918.
Later Life
After the war, Keysor lived in Sydney from 1918 until February 1919. He worked as a clerk. He then returned to England. On 8 July 1920, he married Gladys Benjamin. He then joined his family's business, importing clocks.
In 1927, Keysor acted in a film called For Valour. He re-enacted his brave actions at Gallipoli for the movie. He even got injured during filming. When World War II started in 1939, Keysor tried to rejoin the military. However, he was rejected because of his health.
He died of cancer on 12 October 1951. He was survived by his wife and their daughter, Joan. In 1977, Keysor's Victoria Cross medal was bought by the Returned Services League. It is now on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. In September 2014, his great-niece, Keira Quinn Lockyer, published his biography, "Kyezor VC, Gallipoli's Quiet Hero."
Medals
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Victoria Cross (VC) |
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1914–15 Star |
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British War Medal |
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Victory Medal (UK) |
