Leslie Joseph John Griffiths

Leslie Joseph John Griffiths was born on 18th October 1898 in Towong, Victoria, to William James Griffiths and Mary Ann, nee Sheather.

On 3rd February 1916, he enlisted at Tallangatta, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 18-year-old labourer from Towong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 274 and placed in A Company of the 37th Battalion. Leslie gave his next of kin as his mother, Mary Griffiths. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A34 Persic at Melbourne, Victoria, on 3rd June 1916.

Leslie would be admitted to hospitals in England nine times within six months, suffering from granular conjunctivitis. In early June of 1916, a Medical Board would classify him as unfit for overseas service and return to Australia.

On 21st July 1917, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A14 Euripides, with the rank of Private. He was discharged on 8th March 1918 and was awarded the British War Medal for his service during the war.

Two of Leslie’s brothers, Sydney and William, would also enlist in the 1st AIF, and both would return home.

Leslie enlisted (V14051) in the Citizens’ Military Forces during the Second World War.

Leslie married Norma Victoria Ball on 10th March 1943 in Geelong, Victoria. They would have one daughter, Fay. He passed away on the 7th February 1972 at Werribee, Victoria and was buried in Altona Memorial Park, Altona, Victoria.