CAPTURED IN TIME
Leslie Batten Hill - 56th Battalion

Leslie Batten Hill was born in Waterloo Sydney in 1893, the son of Edmund and Rose Hill of Newtown. Leslie was the second of seven children born to the couple. Finding employment as a driver he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on the 1st of February 1916 , being assigned to the 4th battalion.

After spending time in camp at Liverpool he embarked for the Middle East on April 14, 1916 on the Ceramic, arriving on the 17th of May. On the 26th of May he was transferred to the newly created 56th battalion and sent to canal defence duties.

In June he left for France onboard the Ivernia, proceeding to Northern France on train where he took part in the allied attacks on Fromelles. Later that year he fell ill with Influenza and spent a large portion of time in hospital.

During 1917 and 1918 he moved with his battalion across France , seeing action at Ypres , Menin Gate, Polygon Wood, Amiens , Villers-Bretonneux, Amiens and Mon St Quentin as well as spending time in England on leave.

Leslie Hill ultimately returned to Australia in June 1919 onboard the Beltana.

Research notes:

1) Leslie married Lily Selby in 1920.

Photos:

1) Leslie Batten Hill. Photo from Donna Hayward.

I would like to thank Donna Hayward for her help with this memorial.