Branch of Service

Army

Conflict

World War I (1914-1918)

Gender

Male

Place of Birth

London, England

Address (at enlistment)

Duntroon ACT

Occupation

Groom

Service Number

225579

Final Rank

Farrier Sergeant

Final Unit

Royal Garrison Artillery

Military Medal - London Gazette, Supplement 31512, p.10565

Lesage arrived in Australia in 1914 and worked as a groom at the Royal Military College, Duntroon from March 1914 until he left for England to enlist. He played cricket for Duntroon in February 1915 and although he may have been an Imperial Reservist there are, however, no records at the National Archives of Australia concerning his service. Lesage served in France with the 120th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery rising to the rank of Farrier Sergeant. The 120th Heavy Battery was formed in Woolwich, England and arrived in France in early 1916. Lesage would have been responsible for the condition of the feet and the shoeing performed by his team of farriers within a stable of horses which transported the battery's 60 pounder guns around the battle front. He was awarded the Military Medal in 1919 according to the London Gazette. Lesage is shown as being employed at the Royal Military College until 19 June 1920, which suggests that he may have returned to Australia after the war.

The National Archives (Britain), British Army medal index cards 1914-1920, WO_372_23_133159 - www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/british-army-medal-index-cards-1914-1920/
Ross Howarth, 'Civilians employed at the Royal Military College of Australia, Duntroon, from 1911 to 1931', RMC Duntroon, November 2000
Queanbeyan Age - 5 February 1915
The Long, Long Trail. The Heavy Batteries of the Royal Garrison Artillery