Priest, PTE Lancelot William

Lancelot William Priest (1898-1922), farmer and soldier, was born in York, Wheatbelt, WA to Joseph and Margaret Priest. He had 5 sisters and 4 brothers.

Priest enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 11th of September 1916 and was posted to the 5th Reinforcements, 44th Australian Infantry Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in November 1916 and reached the front lines in April 1917.

Priest fought in all 15 battles that the 44th Battalion took part in and served 392 days at the front lines. He was gassed twice which resulted in him suffering for the rest of his life.

After the war he married Mary Priest in in Claremont 1922 and together they had 1 son, Francis that same year in Cottesloe. However, Lancelot died just a few months later in Merredin at the age of just 24 due to the war injuries he suffered from the gas attacks.

CRIMES

Absent without leave for 2 days. Punishment: 3 days of field punishment and loss of 4 days’ pay. (24th July 1917)

Absent without leave (9th December 1918)

Record completed by Luca Muir Anderson

Priest was an Australian soldier who was an expert in close combat,
He was physically and mentally tough, compassionate and courageous,
He led by example, he strove to take the initiative,
He was committed to learning and working for the team,
He believed in trust, loyalty and respect for his country, his mates and the Army,
The rising sun was his badge of honour,
He is an Australian soldier, Always!

Sources

WikiTree

National Archives of Australia