Leo Edward Treasure 1889-1970
39
16th Battalion
Leo Edward Treasure was born at Martinup, Broomehill on 1st February 1889 and was the eldest of nine children to John James Treasure (1865-1847) and Emma Jane nee Carpenter (1867-1948). Leo’s convict grandfather Edward Treasure (1825-1886) had acquired farming land in 1860 known as Martinup and this was one of the first properties developed in the Broomehill/Gnowangerup area by European settlers. Edward married Anna Maria Norrish (1846-1902) had twelve children to the marriage and their eldest son JJ was Leo’s father.
The family would later move to a farming property Glenburn, west of Kojonup. Leo was educated at Kojonup State School and Christian Brothers College in Albany and was keenly competitive. Leo was a talented sportsman, athlete and scholar, playing cricket and football, rifle shooting and horse riding. From the age of ten, he was a regular exhibitor at country shows, winning prizes for his poultry, drawings and compositions.
Whilst farming, Leo served with the WA Mounted Infantry 18th Light Horse for 8 months prior to enlisting in Perth 7th September 1914 for WW1 and served with the 16th Battalion.
Leo reported to Blackboy Hill Camp and was allotted to “E” Company of the 16th Battalion, under Captain J. Miller. In those early days Leo endured strenuous, long and fast marches plus physical exercises. In the long forenoons he was involved in squad drill, rifle exercises, signalling, gun drill and trench digging. In the afternoons there was repetition of the morning program or tactical work in the hills around Blackboy Hill. His daily diet consisted of stew and bread and jam. The men could also source extra meals from ‘tuck shops” that sprang up on the outskirts of Blackboy Hill.
In relatively quick time Leo could perform battalion drill with a reasonable amount of precision. He completed two months of training at Blackboy Hill before being granted a short period of final leave in mid-November. On 21st November Leo and his fellow 16th Battalion recruits caught a train to Fremantle. This Battalion joined the 13th, 14th and 15th Battalions to form the 4th Brigade. Due to senior command orders, the 4th Brigade were required to assemble at the Broadmeadows Training Ground in Victoria. On 28th November, the 16th Battalion left Fremantle in two ships, “Indoora” and “Dimboola” to transfer to Port Melbourne. When Leo arrived at Broadmeadows he was disappointed in the flat ground at the Camp, which became very muddy in wet weather and in fine weather, the dust was intolerable.
Broadmeadows Camp was known for its expertise in advanced training. Leo took part in Battalion drill, outposts duty (day and night), protection on the march, battalion in attack, communications, field fortifications, the digging and occupation of trench systems, musketry and lectures. On 12th December, the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th Battalions competed in a Championship Sports Meeting held in ideal weather at Broadmeadows. There were thousands of soldiers and civilian spectators in attendance for the events. Leo proudly represented his Battalion by coming second in the 120 yards Hurdles Final.
On 17th December Leo took part in a long 4th Brigade march, in fighting order, from Broadmeadows to Melbourne and return. This march was reviewed by the Governor General, Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson from the steps of Federal Parliament House in Collins Street Melbourne City. On 22nd December at 2.30pm, Leo and the 16th Battalion embarked from Port Melbourne aboard the “Ceramic” (A40) bound for Egypt, via Albany. The soldiers were issued with hammocks, blankets and eating utensils and shown where to stack their rifles and kits. There were 72 officers and 2632 other ranks on board at departure, 32 officers and 979 other ranks being from the 16th Battalion.
On 25th December there was a Church Parade in the morning and in the evening, Christmas Dinner was served, followed by a concert. On 26th December the men were pleasured with a further concert and a Boxing night. On board, the training of personnel continued daily. Leo benefited from thorough training in rapid loading, firing and snap shooting. He also attended a daily lecture which was presented to each unit on its own troop deck. A General Syllabus was followed, presenting theoretical instruction in fire tactics, outposts, duties in camp, bivouacs, protection, semaphore, first aid and machine gun. Leo’s ship arrived at Albany WA on 28th December and no shore leave was granted.
At 8.00am on 31st December Leo sailed from King George Sound, moving majestically with 15 other transports, in three lines, as they moved out into the open sea. Training resumed on New Years Day, with the program maintained until the ship arrived at Aden. During this early part of the trip, all troops were inoculated and vaccinated. Sentries had been appointed to 20 posts around the ship to keep lookout for enemy submarines or raiders. All ships lights were faded at night. Leo found that time passed slowly and the regular routine became monotonous. An on-board Newspaper called “The Honk” was launched and ran for 5 issues.
Finally, the “Ceramic” anchored within the inner harbour at Aden on 20th January 1915 at 1.30pm, however, once again there was no shore leave granted. Three days later, on 23rd January at 4.30pm, the “Ceramic” sailed from Aden, and some soldiers were suffering from sunstroke. Leo and his mates were building their enthusiasm when they finally arrived off Suez at 6.30am on 28th January. On the following day they entered the Suez Canal at 9.00am and anchored at Port Said at 2.30pm that afternoon. At 9.00am on 31st January the men embarked from Port Said and arrived at Alexandria Harbour at 8.30am on 1st February. The “Ceramic” did not move into her birth until 11.00am on 3rd February.
Leo and the 16th Battalion troops left the ship in two halves, the first half leaving at 7.00pm on the day of arrival and the second half leaving at 9.30am on 4th February. Both groups endured a seven hour train journey to Zeitoun, Cairo, then walked two miles to the Mena Camp Heliopolis, in the desert. They all then settled into tents. The men were soon aware of the ample means of transport into Cairo, including electric and steam trains, electric trams and many varieties of road vehicles. While at Heliopolis rations were issued on the British Army Egyptian Scale, which was far short of the Australian Scale. Australian Battalion Commanders were granted an extra sixpence per man per day to purchase extra food to make up the deficiency.
Training at Heliopolis continued along strenuous lines. Leo also practised Night Operations and plenty of musketry training. He filled in the balance of his time with route marches, entrenchments, bivouacs, outposts and field firing. By the end of March, the 16th Battalion was classed as a very efficient instrument of war.
On 22nd March, the Battalion paraded east of Zeitoun in front of the High Commissioner Sir Henry McMahon, General Sir Ian Hamilton and General Sir William Birdwood. The Battalion received urgent orders on 2nd April stating that no further training programs were to be issued and ordinary leave was to be stopped. Later the same day, a serious riot broke out in Cairo in which it is believed that almost every Australian and New Zealand Unit were involved. Some local houses were burned to the ground during this action.
On 11th April the Battalion was divided into three parties who marched into Cairo from Heliopolis to catch a train to Alexandria. At 4.10pm on 12th April Leo and the 16th Battalion embarked aboard the “Haida Pascha” bound for the Greek Island of Lemnos. There was no space available on board for training exercises. The crowded nature of the ship meant that all soldiers suffered discomfort, which was exacerbated by the vast numbers of vermin which swarmed everywhere about the ship.
All troops were paid on 14th April (for many, it would be the last pay they would ever receive). At 9.30pm on 15th April Leo arrived at Lemnos and anchored outside Mudros Harbour. His ship moved to anchor within the harbour on 16th April. He was amazed at the hundreds of ships of all shapes and sizes, including British and French, already at anchor. From 17th to 19th April, Leo practiced with all troops in landing from the ship’s boats. On both the 20th and 21st April, the men were subjected to strong wind and rain, with the water in the harbour being too rough to continue any further outdoor practice. On 22nd April the weather moderated and the men were anxiously awaiting orders.
Leo knew that he was getting closer to entering into combat when a General Routine Order was issued by Corps Commander General Sir William Birdwood on 23rd April. Extracts from this order included: –
“Warning of real hard and tough times ahead until we reach our first objective. The country whither we are bound is very difficult. On landing, it will be necessary for every individual to carry with him all his requirements in food and clothing for three days. Take the greatest care of your ammunition and do not waste it by firing indiscriminately. The time will come when we shall find the enemy in well-entrenched positions from which we shall have to turn him out”.
On 24th April each Company was issued with the last of their field service equipment (one pick or shovel per man). At 12.00 noon on 25th April, the “Haidi Pascha” set a course to Gallipoli. Leo would have heard the distant firing, which meant the Australians were already in action. At approximately 4.00pm as he approached the shore, all he could have seen ahead was a thick haze of blue smoke and flashes of gunfire. He would also have noted numerous battleships and destroyers very busily bombing the shore. At 5.30pm Leo and the 16th Battalion set feet on the rocky shores of Gallipoli. The destroyer “Ribble” and the open boats from which they made their landing were heavily shelled, with only a few casualties. The troops were given their first orders to find their way to the top of Monash Valley. The light was fading and their pace was slow. In the dark, the column filed up the muddy channel of Monash Valley to reach the fork at the Valley’s end. Leo was quickly impacted by the deafening roar of rifle fire coming from the heights surrounding them. The troops then occupied the sharp end of the spur, later known as Pope’s Hill.
A Sergeant from the 11th Battalion met them at this location and said he was part of the extreme left flank before the enemy had driven them back, suffering heavy losses, with no officers who were with them being left alive. Colonel Pope committed the 16th Battalion to occupying this position on the summit of the spur. This area covered about 300 yards of front and had the men entrench at once. All night long, the fighting to take control of this portion of the line was very fierce. The Turks poured in an incessant rifle and machine gun fire. Leo’s location was open to fire from the front and from snipers who had gained access to the rear of the Battalion’s trenches.
When dawn broke on the 26th April the men had worked their trenches down to a depth of 3-4 feet. Although the warships had continued to shell nearby Russell’s Top there were still many enemy snipers who had survived the onslaught. Later in the evening, large numbers of Turks were sighted moving across the head of Monash Valley. Their snipers began to pick off the 16th Battalion troops in the rear trenches, making the position at Pope’s Hill untenable. The amazing work of machine gunners Percy Black and Henry “Harry” Murray throughout the day had saved a considerable number of 16th Battalion lives. When their machine guns were disabled by hostile enemy fire towards nightfall, all men feared for their survival. Black and Murray became two of the most decorated soldiers in the Allied Forces before the end of the war.
At daybreak on 27th April, two Naval Guns arrived as replacements and undoubtedly saved the day for Leo and his fellow troops. It soon became clear that the 16th Battalion needed support as the whole length of Russell’s Top was still open and available to the Turks. The 13th Battalion were sent to assist especially to cover the susceptibility of the 16th Battalion to be attacked from the rear. In mid-afternoon, the Turks attacked in six lines across the entire face of Battleship Hill, advancing on Walker’s Ridge, Russell’s Top and Pope’s Hill. Thankfully, supporting Naval gun barrages caused this major enemy attack to fail. Later in the afternoon a line of about 300 Turks charged across towards the 16th Battalion trenches. Leo and his mates responded with intense rifle and machine gun fire, which practically annihilated the enemy forces.
The 28th and 29th April became days of digging, with intervals of rest and some fighting. Runners and stretcher bearers suffered heavily during this time, however, there was never a lack of volunteers to replace the casualties.
In the evening of 30th April, after having been in action on Pope’s Hill for five days, the 16th Battalion were relieved by the 15th Battalion. Leo was one of the weary men who slowly moved down the slope and congregated in a spot in one of the gullies, known as Rest Camp. They rested here until 2nd May. Whilst trying to rest, the 16th Battalion lost 50 men to enemy snipers during their stay.
On 2nd May, the 16th Battalion were ordered to assault and entrench on a ridge to the left of Quinn’s Post. They were to file up the eastern branch of the valley, past the foot of Quinn’s, until reaching the end of the “Bloody Angle”. This was the first assault by the Battalion and all the men looked forward to getting at the enemy, after spending one week on the defensive. At 7.15pm, following a bombardment from supporting guns, the men set off through the valley. There was not one shot fired in anger during their walk across the valley. As soon as they reached the top of the ridge, they were hit by fierce fire which opened up on them from their left rear. Throughout the night the 16th Battalion continued the fight, whilst attempting to dig themselves in. Leo was severely wounded during this attack and his fighting days were effectively over. During this battle at “Bloody Angle on 2nd May the 16th Battalion suffered casualties of 8 officers and 330 other ranks killed, wounded or missing.
Leo suffered severe shoulder and shrapnel injuries, necessitating his evacuation from Gallipoli and subsequent transfer by HS “Goorkha” to England. He was admitted to the Southern General Hospital Birmingham (Dudley Road Section) on 12th May. During his lengthy stay in Hospital, Leo penned the following letter to his parents:-
Acting-Sergt. Leo. Treasure, 16th Battalion, writes under date August 26 1915 from 1st General Hospital, Birmingham, to his parents at Kojonup: –
“I have been here now 15 weeks. We have a good time once we get up. There are some Australian people living here and they fetch us fruit and cigarettes. I never wanted for anything here yet, so I’m doing fairly well. Expect to be transferred to the Australian Convalescent Home any day now. I have to go before a medical board to see what they will do with me. I should like to go back to the front and share my luck with my-brothers Levi and Henry, but my fighting days are done. I saw where Henry was wounded, but did not know how bad until I heard from you. I hope and trust they will get through safely, as it is awful fighting there, and one is lucky to get through. I saw in the paper yesterday that our gallant platoon officer had been killed; he got wounded the same day as I. He was a lieutenant then, but he got promoted to captain for the daring way he led us, and now the gallant fellow has met his death. Captain Chabrel was his name, and a better or more clever officer never lived. I am sending you a couple of clippings from papers, and I have marked the places I was in. You will see where two platoons went out to take a hill on the right. I was with them, and only five got back out of ours. It was a dreadful charge, but we took the hills with the ‘cold steel’. I will never forget one of my best comrades-a Cpl. Curlewis, from Brookton (you will see he got killed, also his brother, a lieutenant). He had just said to me, ‘Come, “Sport” (my name with the boys), now we will make a name for W.A., when he got shot down. He was a fine chap, and I missed him greatly. It was bad luck getting put out of action so quickly, as a man would have come back with higher rank. I was acting-sergeant when I fell. All our N.C.O.’s fell the first day. We have a concert here every Thursday, and some of the best talent in England give us a free entertainment.”
Printed and published by E. W. Finn, for “The Sunday Times” Publishing Co., Ltd., at the office of the Company. Stirling Street. Forth, WA – October 10, 1915.
After a short stay of eight days at the No. 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield in England, Leo was discharged on 14th September. He embarked from England on 8th October aboard the
“HS Suevic” and disembarked at Fremantle WA on 19th November 1915. He was admitted to the No.8 General Hospital at Fremantle for treatment and an evaluation by the Medical Board to confirm his permanently medically unfit classification.
He spent several months recuperating in Fremantle Hospital and during this time met Victoria Jenkins (known as Vicky) while she was working at the Cabin Tea House. Leo and other soldiers, during their recovery time, would leave the hospital during the day to assist in their rehabilitation.
Once discharged from hospital, Leo shared a house with a mate in Fremantle and also spent time recovering on the farm in Kojonup. He attended a welcome home gathering in September 1916 at the Theatre Royal in Kojonup.
An article in the Great Southern Herald, Katanning; Wednesday 13 September 1916, captures a community spirit in Kojonup;
A social and dance was tendered to Private Leo Treasure in the Theatre Royal (kindly lent free of charge by Mr, C. A. Simms), when the following soldiers were present by invitation: Private Leo Treasure, 16th Battalion; Trooper E. Thatcher, 10th Light Horse; Private W. Stephenson, 12th Battalion; Private W. Bignell, 32nd Battalion, and Private C. C. Hewson.
It was very fitting that such a gathering should take place, not only to show gratitude and appreciation to our soldier boys, but especially to one whose family has been connected with the early pioneering days of Kojonup. Private Leo Treasure’s great grandfather, the late Richard Norrish belonged to the 96th Regiment and was drafted here from Tasmania some seventy years ago. After leaving the forces he took up land and settled at Walkelup, about 3½ miles east of Kojonup, where he reared a family of five sons (Tom, Joe, Richard, John and George) and two daughters (Anna Maria and Matilda) one of whom married Mr. H. Quartermaine, and the other Mr E. Treasure (the grandfather of Leo) who settled at Martinup. All the sons played a prominent part in the development of the district. Private Leo Treasure’s father (Mr. J. J. Treasure) has always taken a lively interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of Kojonup.’
The gathering was a large one, and during the evening a presentation of a handsome travelling bag was made to Private Treasure by the chairman of the Kojonup Road Board (Mr. O. Bignell), who spoke of the brave deeds of the Australian Boys, and while welcoming the returned men, bade God speed to the departing ones. Private Treasure had done his bit at Gallipoli, where he was severely wounded in the shoulder. Mr. R. Krakouer supported Mr. Bignell’s remarks, and made a stirring appeal for conscription. He hoped everyone in the district would say “yes” on the 28th October. P. J. Wood, a Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Imperial Bushmen’s Corps, said he was proud to be present in doing honor to our soldier boys and appealed to the young men who had not volunteered to do so now, and not wait until they were forced’.
Private Treasure thanked all for their kindness to him. He had only done his duty, and should occasion arise he would do so again.
Songs and recitations were contributed in the intervals of dancing by Mr. Burnstead and Private Hewson, and. Misses Jones, Simms, Doreen Magrath, D. Jarvins, E Treasure, Joy Krakouer and Violet Thatcher. Refreshments were provided by the ladies. Mr. Benn supplied the music.
Mr. Magrath mentioned that people were not to forget Thursday, the 14th, when a euchre party and dance would be held. Also, ‘Our Day’ 18th October, when a sale of gifts would take place, the whole of the proceeds to be given to the British Red Cross Fund.
Mrs. White received news on Saturday last that her son Leslie who was reported missing, has now been reported as killed. The greatest sympathy is felt for the mother and family.
Leo returned to Fremantle in 1917 to enlist for Home Service.
Somehow, Leo must have been declared fit for Home Service, which he began on 15th February 1917 with the No. 5 District Guard. This work may have been too physically demanding as Leo was discharged from service eight days later on 23rd February. His Medical Examination noted he had a Gunshot Wound to his left shoulder, 20 incisions to his left arm, shrapnel on the left arm and shrapnel on hip.
Leo further enlisted for Home Service on 25th May 1917 at Karrakatta WA. He was classified as an Orderly Corporal, Home Services Staff. He was highly thought of, which is clearly demonstrated by his award of the following promotions during his Home Service as a recruiting officer:-
18th February 1918- Corporal,
23rd January 1919- Sergeant,
30th October 1919- Staff Sergeant.
During his time serving for Home Service, Leo married Victoria Jenkins (1897-1994) at St Patricks Catholic Church in Fremantle on 3rd June 1918.
Their first child John was born 5th April 1919.
Leo was demobilized from Home Service on 3rd April 1920. He was issued with Certificate of Discharge No. 243192.
Their second child, Ronald Edward was born 29th January 1921.
In the aftermath of WW1, the Soldier Settlement Scheme was introduced to assist returned servicemen to settle on the land. After his brothers, Levi and Henry were allocated ‘Towerlup’ west of Kojonup, JJ Treasure (father) saw an opportunity to bring the farming property, Martinup, established by his father Edward Treasure in 1860, back into the family.
JJ Treasure, assisted by Alex Thompson MLC approached the Land Board with the object of purchasing Martinup, and after employing a lot of strategy, succeeded in their goal.
Martinup was back in the family. In 1921 brothers, Leo and Sydney were allocated 1576 acres including the homestead block.
Leo returned to the place of his birth with wife Vicky and two young sons, Jack and Ron and took up residence.
In 1925 Sydney Treasure married Clara Briant and they moved to Perth leaving Leo to manage Martinup with his growing family.
Leo and Vicky Treasure’s life at Martinup was enriched with a family of four sons and three daughters-
John (known as Jack) Born 5 April 1919 – died POW 13 Sept 1943
Ronald Edward Born 29 January 1921 – died 27 Sept 1986
Kenneth James Born 27 March 1923 – died 21 Nov 1998
Lyall Arthur Born 5 June 1925 – died 27 March 1995
Dorothy June Born 1 June 1927- died 23 Sept 2021
Hilda Catherine Born 26 February 1935 – present
Isla Elizabeth Born 27 January 1938 – present
Leo continued to play cricket, be involved with football and show his draught horses at local agricultural shows. Martinup hosted local cricket games, tennis competitions and was the social hub of the district.
In 1939, following the outbreak of World War II, Leo’s sons, Jack, Ron and Ken Treasure enlisted in the armed services, and were farewelled by the locals with a notable send-off party at Martinup.
Jack was imprisoned and died in a prisoner of war camp in Thailand, a tragic blow to his family.
After the war, Ron and Ken returned to work with Leo on the farm at Martinup, which had gone downhill in their absence due to a lack of labour and their father’s failing health.
Leo, like his father JJ, was a successful breeder of Clydesdale horses and well known for his rabbit hunting ability with his trained ferrets.
In 1951 Sydney Treasure’s share of Martinup was transferred to Leo’s son, Ken Treasure and Leo and Ken farmed Martinup as a partnership.
Leo died in 1970 and left his share in Martinup to his son, Ron Treasure. Martinup remained in the Treasure’s family, on and off, for more than 120 years. Martinup was sold in 1984.
Like so many returned soldiers, Leo never spoke of the war, quietly carrying the emotional scars of combat and physical suffering of injury.
He remained on Martinup into his retirement.
Leo died in 1970 aged 81 years and is buried Gnowangerup Cemetery.