Edgar Leslie Bailey

First Name: 
Edgar
Middle Name: 
Leslie
Last Name: 
Bailey
Date of Birth: 
Wednesday, January 15, 1890
Mother's Name: 
Mary Bailey nee Law
Father's Name: 
Alexander Bailey
Date Enlisted: 
Saturday, August 14, 1915
Rank at Enlistment: 
Private
Rank at Discharge: 
Warrent Officer 2
Unit: 
45th Battalion
Company: 
D
Service: 
Infantry
Awards: 
Military Medal
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Date of Death: 
Monday, April 17, 1961
Details: 

Edgar Bailey (Service No 4489) was born in Nowra, N.S.W.

At enlistment Edgar was single, 25 years old, worked as a labourer, and lived at Dapto, N.S.W.

He embarked from Sydney on RMS Osterly with 14th Reinforcements, 1st Battalion, on 15th January 1916.  He arrived in Egypt on 6th March 1916 and was posted to D Company, 45th Battalion that day, and went on to France with them.

Edgar saw service on the Western Front and was promoted to Lance Corporal on 24th December 1916, then Corporal on 24th May 1917.

Soon after, while fighting at Messines, Corporal Edgar (name on Australian War Memorial summary given as Ernest) Bailey was recommended for a Military Medal,  which was awarded on 16th August 1917. The citation on the Recommendation reads : 'For bravery and coolness under fire at MESSINES during attack on OWL TRENCH and OWL SUPPORT on 7/6/17 and during operation until 11.6.17 Cpl. Bailey was in charge of a section. He successfully organised a party on a detatched post and assisted in driving off enemy counter attack. Throughout the operation Cpl. Bailey showed great initiative and his example was very noticeable.'  Lt Colonel S.C.E. Herring, D.S.O.  Promulgated: Commonwealth Gazette 219, 20/12/17.

On 26th June 1917 Edgar was promoted to Sergeant. 

On 4th August 1917 Edgar was admitted to hospital sick, returning 3 months later on 2nd November 1917.

On 20th April 1918 he was promoted to Warrent Office 2.

On 11th September 1919 Edgar married Lily Bibby in Manchester, England and she joined him when he returned to Australia in January 1920.

Edgar was discharged on 27th April 1920.

Edgar's service is recorded on the Dapto Public School Honour Roll.

Sources: 
NAA: B2455, BAILEY E L

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