Private Warrick James McLeod was born in Granville New South Wales. He enlisted at Liverpool on 27 February 1915 at the age of twenty one. His occupation was recorded as sign writer. Private McLeod had previously served with the Militia and 20 Infantry Citizen Forces. At the time of his enlistment he was single and lived in Cowper Street Granville with his mother, Mrs Esther Harriett Smith (she had subsequently remarried) and step family. He named his mother as his next of kin. Private McLeod embarked for service overseas on 12 May 1915. He served in the 17 Australian Infantry Battalion at Gallipoli before serving in France.
Tragically he was killed in action at Pozieres. Initially this is recorded as having occurred sometime between 26 July and 7 August. His war service record subsequently records the date of his death as 27 July 1916.
Notice of Private Warrick James McLeod’s death was published in the Cumberland Argus of 9 September 1916 at page 12. The article states that his mother had received official notification of his death on 6 September 1916.
He is buried in the vicinity of Pozieres Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Picardie, France. The Star, British War and Victory Medals, the Memorial Scroll and Memorial Plaque were given to his mother on his behalf.
Private McLeod’s name is on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial
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Janet Britton, Volunteer Research Assistant , City of Parramatta, Parramatta Heritage Centre, 2016