Kilmore Historical Society

Kilmore Remembers WWI Veterans – Leslie Edward Bennett

Leslie Edward BENNETT

A platoon commander from the 29th Battalion addresses his troops enroute to Vauvilliers, 8th August, 1918. AWM.

Leslie Edward Bennett, Service No. 4051, was born in 1889 and was one of five children born to Richard & Alison (nee Young) Bennett. His father worked for the railways and for a period was in charge of a length of line around the former Willowmavin railway station. Mrs. Bennett was station mistress at this time. Mr. Bennett made many improvements at Willowmavin station and for two years running won second prize for the best kept station along the line.

When Leslie enlisted in September 1916 he was aged 27 years and two months and was occupied as a farmer. He had married Lily Isabel Haines in 1915 and their first child had been born in March 1916. Leslie underwent training at Royal Park and embarked for overseas active duty in mid-December, attached to the 29th Battalion and as a private. He underwent further training in England and marched in to France in October 1917. The 29th Battalion fought its last battle in late September 1918 when it participated in the breach of defences along the Hindenberg Line as part of the final Allied offensive of the war. They were then withdrawn from the front line for rest.

At this time casualties among the Australian Corps had reached a critical level and many battalions were severely depleted. As a result the decision was made to reduce the number of battalions. The 29th was largely absorbed by the 32nd Battalion, the 29th being disbanded in October 1918. The 32nd Battalion was was being rested when the Armistice was declared on November 11, 1918.

Following his return to Australia in July 1919 Leslie returned to the Gisborne area. A second child was born in 1922. Later the family moved to Chocolyn in the Campedown area where Leslie was occupied as a dairyman. He died of pancreatic cancer in 1954 and is buried in the Camperdown cemetery.

Leslie was awarded the British War Medal, the 1914/15 Star and the Victory Medal. He is commemorated on the Kilmore Honour Roll.

Compiled by Kilmore Historical Society.