Lieutenant Leo Paul Little MC

See Notes (1)

Leo was born at Bacchus Marsh, VIC in February 1892 to David Armstrong Little⁽²⁾ and Mary Ann Harrigan (or Hannigan). Leo had two brothers, Gerald and David, who are also remembered in the Avenue.

Leo was an clerk in the Department of Home Affairs⁽³⁾, Canberra when he enlisted at Melbourne in the AIF, 37^th Battalion, A Company on the 8^th of January 1916, aged 24. He was promoted to Sergeant before he embarked aboard the HMAT A34 Persic in June, disembarking at Weymouth, England in late July

In late November 1916 Leo proceeded overseas to France to join his unit. He was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant in January 1917 and Lieutenant in May. Leo was was wounded in action in June during the Battle of Messines and admitted to the 24^th General Hospital, Rouen, France - gassed. He rejoined his unit in June and in October took part in the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge - he later received the Military Cross for his gallantry.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in action East of YPRES on the 4th October 1917. This Officer selected and supervised the preparation of approach route and assembly line for the Assault and carried out his work in a most satisfactory way. The necessary reconnaissance involved a considerable amount of difficult and dangerous work under heavy fire. At the commencement of the Attack, when, on account of the difficult country, carrying parties in the forward area were becoming disorganised, Lieut LITTLE reorganised the parties and by his efforts put the whole scheme on a satisfactory footing. After that, he made several important reconnaissances under heavy fire and brought back very valuable information.

Source: Recommendatiuon for the Military Cross.

In November 1917 Leo was detached for duty with 10^th Infantry Brigade Headquarters and later seconded to England to join the Australian Flying Corps. In February 1918 he joined No. 1 Royal Flying Corps School for instruction as a Flying Officer. Leo was posted to the 5^th Training Squadron, Australian Flying Corps in May but in June, whilst a pilot under instruction, landed down wind and crashed badly. He was admitted to the 2^nd Southern General Hospital, Bristol, England suffering a traumatic synovitis of the right shoulder.

Leo was transferred to the 38^th Battalion in October 1918 but remained seconded to the Australian Flying Corps. He embarked from England later that month and returned to Australia at the end of December. His appointment was terminated in August 1919.

Leo died in Melbourne on the 19^th of November 1956, aged 64.

He is listed on the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour.

Notes

1. His service records indicate that he transferred to the 38^th Battalion in October 1918 but remained on secondment with the 5^th Training Squadron, Australian Flying Corps.
2. David Little was Bacchus Marsh Shire Secretary and Engineer. Also he prepared the plans for Morven homestead.
3. He was only a year away from completing his law degree. - The Bacchus Marsh Express 12 Feb 1916

Location of Tree Number N147

Tree Position (accuracy ±1 tree) -37.68450859694111, 144.46207399476026

Related Links

• Timeline
• Nominal Roll
• Embarkation Roll
• Service Records
• 37^th Battalion
• Unit Diaries - 37^th Battalion
• Unit Diaries - 5^th Training Squadron, Australian Flying Corps
• Recommendation: Military Cross
• Award: Military Cross
• Battle of Messines
• Third Battle of Ypres
• Battle of Broodseinde Ridge

Last updated by lee, Sat, 28 Aug 2021 19:06:28