Honour for Lone Pine hero
LEONARD Keysor, a Jewish World War I hero who received a Victoria Cross medal for his efforts during the Battle of Lone Pine, has been recognised with a community cottage in his name from Defence Housing Australia (DHA).
LEONARD Keysor, a Jewish World War I hero who received a Victoria Cross medal for his efforts during the Battle of Lone Pine, has been recognised with a community cottage in his name from Defence Housing Australia (DHA).
With 100 years having passed since the battle, fought between Australian and Ottoman forces in August 1915, DHA last Sunday hosted a commemoration at its Crimson Hill residential development in Lindfield.
In a tribute to the Battle of Lone Pine and its heroes, each of five residential precincts, the nature trail and a community cottage were named after Victoria Cross medal recipients who were recognised for their courage in this battle.
“We thought it appropriate that these brave soldiers be honoured throughout the development,” DHA managing director Peter Howman said.
Crimson Hill was named after the colour of the Victoria Cross ribbon and has welcomed its first Defence families this year.
“Biographical posters of all seven Victoria Cross recipients from the Battle of Lone Pine will feature permanently in the cottage, serving as a reminder to future generations the sacrifices made by those brave soldiers for our nation,” Howman said.
The Keysor Community Cottage, which provides residents with a common space to meet and socialise, was dedicated by the federal Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews.
As well as other politicians and dignitaries, in attendance and speaking on the day was Keira Quinn Lockyer, Keysor’s great niece, and author of his biography Leonard Keysor VC – Gallipoli’s Quiet Hero. “As far as what he did at Gallipoli, all of the family are exceptionally proud, because it was such a sustained act of bravery,” she told The AJN. “We’re also very proud that he spent the rest of his life helping people.”
Keysor was born in London in 1885 and spent 10 years in Canada before migrating to Sydney shortly before the outbreak of World War I. He took part in the Gallipoli landing of April 25, 1915, and was promoted to lance corporal two months later.
During the days and nights of the Battle of Lone Pine, he was able to save the trench and remove the enemy from position, maintaining his valiant efforts for 50 hours despite injuries.
PHOEBE ROTH
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