People Australia

Charles Lecky

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

Charles Stuart Lecky was born at Belfast, Ireland, on 20th August, 1889, the son of Mr. Charles Crawford Lecky and Mrs. Sarah Lecky. He was educated at the Rosetta College, Belfast, and at the University, Sydney. He joined the Bank’s staff at Head Office on 12th October, 1910.

Charles Stuart Lecky enlisted in the A.I.F. on 1st February, 1915, and joined the 2nd Battalion at Gallipoli on 19th June, having in the previous April been gazetted as second-lieutenant. He obtained his lieutenancy on 7th August. During the time he was on the peninsula he commanded a platoon of the 2nd Battalion in the fierce fight at Lone Pine, and took an active part as commander of a company in the same battalion at the evacuation.

Later he was engaged in the defence of the Canal zone, in Egypt, and was transferred to the 54th Battalion on its formation at Tel-el-Kebir, and took part in the famous march of the 5th Division from Tel-el-Kebir across the desert to Moascar. In April, 1916, he was promoted to captain.the winter of 1916-17 was in command of his old company of the 54th.

On reaching France later in the year, he was appointed to the command of A Company, 54th Battalion, and fought at Fromelles, in July ; was commander of the 14th Brigade raiding party at Fleurbaix in August; and during the Somme actions in 227 the winter of 1916-17 was in command of his old company of the 54th. On 24th April, 1917, he was promoted to major, and commanded the 54th Battalion at Bullecourt in May, where he was wounded. Subsequently he was invalided to Australia for six months.

Charles Stuart Lecky was awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 15th May, 1917, and was decorated by His Majesty the King at Aldershot. He was also mentioned in despatches in December, 1917. The official announcement in the “London Gazette” of 17th July, 1917, is as follows:—

"His Majesty, the King, has been graciously pleased to approve of the appointment of the undermentioned officer to be Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field: “Major Charles Stuart Lecky—For conspicuous gallantry and resource during an attack when in charge of the front line held by his battalion. Despite the heavy barrage and artillery bombardment, he handled the situation with great skill and courage, and his fine example greatly contributed to the steadiness of all ranks. Although wounded, he refused to leave the line until the attack had been repulsed and the position secured.”