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George Angus McLeod - Information

The McLeod family resided in Bega, where George was born in 1895. George’s father, Hector, then moved the family to a property called Roslyn at Albion Park. Growing up, George was exceptionally close to his older brother, Donald. George and Donald decided to enlist in the AIF together, joining up at the Royal Showground in Sydney on the 30th of October 1916. Both George and Donald were placed in the same unit, the 18th Reinforcements, 18th Battalion and were stationed to Liverpool Depot. After training, George and Donald boarded the HMAT Suevic in Sydney for overseas on the 11th of November 1916.

The Suevic arrived at Devonport, England, on the 30th of January 1917, with the troops immediately marched out to the 5th Training Battalion. George then spent some time sick at the 2nd Auxiliary Hospital, before proceeding to France. George and Donald were taken on strength to the 18th Battalion in late May at Etaples. After a quiet introduction to the frontlines, they were thrust into battle at Ypres in Belgium. The following year, the Germans launched their Spring Offensive on the 21st of March with a series of operations. They attacked in force using their many reserves, fresh from the Eastern Front, and specially trained storm troops. They broke the Allied defences, causing a general retreat. The Germans had gained much ground, before the Allies managed to thwart their advance and began pushing back, leading to an Allied Victory in November 1918.

George and Donald were sent back to Australia on the 7th of July 1919. They then reunited with their family, who were now living in Ingleburn. In April 1918, Hector had moved the McLeods to Green Vale in Ingleburn. George and Donald were discharged from military service, and began their new lives in the Campbelltown area.