From the Archives

Private Leo Waters 

Leo Stanislaus Waters was born in Moama in 1892.  He was working in Sydney as an apprentice electrician when World War One broke out. Enlistment was voluntary, and many young Australian men keen for adventure, and unaware of the horrors that awaited them, were signing up. 

Leo returned home to Echuca and enlisted on September 11, 1914.  He passed his physical and was placed in the 8th Battalion. Leo was a part of the landing at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.  He survived physically unscathed until May 8, when his battalion was among those tasked with attacking the Turkish position at Krithia. The attack was unsuccessful.  

Charles Bean, Australia’s official war historian wrote:

“The stone houses of Krithia were still 2000 yards away, but in advancing 1000 yards the brigade, already reduced at Anzac to 2900 men, lost in one short hour another 1000.”

Leo was shot in the wrist in the battle, and was evacuated to a hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. He remained there for six weeks, before re-joining his unit on June 26, 1915. 

A few months later, the British were preparing for one last push to take the Gallipoli Peninsula, in what became known as the Battle of Sari Bair, or August Offensive. The fighting was intense and the number of lives lost devasting for the allies.  On August 13, Leo was shot in the head and taken to the Casualty Clearing Station, where he was pronounced dead.  

Leo is buried at the beach cemetery at Anzac Cove. Each year Leo is honoured by the students and staff of St Joseph’s College in our Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Natalie Lonsdale

Archives Manager