Henry William Lebner

Henry William Lebner was born on 17th December 1890 in Walwa, Victoria, to Charles Lebner and Caroline, nee Schneider. 

On 4th April 1916, he enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 25-year-old farmer from Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 1640 and placed in the  1st Reinforcements for the 37th Battalion. Henry gave his next of kin as mother, Caroline Lebner. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius at Melbourne, Victoria, on 2nd May 1916.

During the three years that Henry was enlisted, he remained with the 37th Battalion while fighting on the Western Front. Two months prior to the action described below, Henry was wounded and spent the next few weeks recovering  

Harry’s citation for his Military Medal read as follows:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, East of RONSSOY on 29th. September 1918. Owing to his O.C. Becoming [sic] a casualty he acted as Platoon Commander and with splendid initiative, led his men forward under intense machine gun and shell fire. It was largely due to his skill that his company was enabled to advance without suffering the heavy casualties which appeared to be inevitable. His coolness and courage and throughout the action were of the highest Order [sic] and had the most beneficial effect on the morale of the men of his company.”

One month after this action, Henry was transferred to the 38th Battalion and then given two months' leave in the United Kingdom. He would not return to France.

On 30th April 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HT Karagola, with the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged on 27th July 1919, being awarded the Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Henry married Gwenneth Mathieson Gay in 1926. He passed away on the 30th June 1979 at Corryong, Victoria and was buried in Corryong Cemetery.