Private John Leak VC (1892 - 1972, 80yo)
John Leak was born in 1892 in England and migrated to Australia before the outbreak of the First World War, finding work as a teamster in Rockhampton, Queensland. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 28 January 1915 and joined the 9th Battalion at Gallipoli in June of that year.
Following the evacuation from Gallipoli, Leak's battalion was sent to the Western Front, and in July 1916 they participated in the Somme offensive. On 23 July, during the assault on Pozières, Leak was among a group tasked with neutralising a German strong-point obstructing the advance. Pinned down by heavy fire and outmatched by German grenades, Leak broke from cover, charged the enemy position under fire, and threw three grenades into the trench. He then entered the position and bayoneted the remaining defenders. Later, as his party was forced to retreat, he remained at the rear, throwing bombs to cover their withdrawal. His determination weakened the German position, allowing it to be retaken shortly after. For his actions, he was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery.
Wounded at Mouquet Farm in August 1916, Leak rejoined his unit in October 1917. He was severely gassed in Belgium in March 1918 and returned to duty in June. Leak was discharged from the AIF in May 1919 and spent the following decades moving throughout Australia. He eventually settled in Crafers, South Australia, where he died on 20 October 1972.
Sergeant Albert 'Alby' David Lowerson VC (1896 - 1945, 49yo)
Alby Lowerson, born on 2 August 1896 in Myrtleford, Victoria, worked as a gold miner in rural New South Wales before the First World War. He enlisted in the AIF in July 1915 and joined the 21st Battalion in early 1916, deploying to France shortly afterward.
Lowerson endured brutal fighting during the battles of Pozières Heights and Mouquet Farm, suffering his first wound in August 1916. Despite repeated injuries—including during the Second Battle of Bullecourt—he returned each time to frontline service. By late 1917 he held the rank of Sergeant and took part in the Allied advances of 1918.
On 1 September, during the assault on Mont St Quentin, Lowerson led an attack on a heavily fortified crater bristling with machine guns. His skilful use of grenades and tactical leadership broke the German defence, resulting in significant enemy losses and the capture of numerous weapons and prisoners. Though seriously wounded in the thigh, he remained at his post until his men were secure and the position consolidated. For his courage and leadership, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
After receiving the medal from King George V in 1919, Lowerson returned to civilian life as a dairy and tobacco farmer. He later re-enlisted during the Second World War, serving in training roles before being discharged in 1944. He died the following year, on 15 December 1945, from leukaemia.
Last Reviewed 06/2025
