Leonard Cuthbert Lucas
Leonard Cuthbert Lucas | |
|---|---|
| Born | 6 November 1894 Townsville, Queensland |
| Died | 3 September 1978 (aged 83) St Leonards, New South Wales |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/ | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1912–1945 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | DX200 |
| Commands held | Royal Australian Engineers, 6th Division Royal Australian Engineers Training Centre |
| Battles/wars | First World War:
Second World War:
|
| Awards | Mentioned in Despatches |
Early life
Leonard Cuthbert Lucas was born in
First World War
On the outbreak of the
Instead of returning directly to the 18th Battalion, Lucas was sent to Egypt, where he disembarked on 6 December 1915. He rejoined the 18th Battalion on 15 January 1916 after it had returned from Gallipoli. He was promoted to second lieutenant on 24 February 1916. As part of the
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion. When all forward lines, including buried cable, had gone, he went forward to test, and with great skill and courage laid new lines under continual heavy shelling.[5]
Lucas was wounded in the legs and feet by shell fragments on 5 November 1917, and was evacuated to England, where he was treated at the
Between the wars
Lucas took a job as an assistant at H. J. Brownlee, a
Second World War
On 15 August 1939, Lucas was appointed Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General of the
Commanded Engineers, 6 Aust Div throughout the Cyrenaica Campaign from the opening engagement at Bardia to the final defeat of the enemy on February 7th. Under his direction the engineers have done most valuable work of every conceivable kind, from breaching enemy wire, removing roads, railways, power and water installations. The work of the engineers under Lt Col Lucas contributed very materially to the success of the attacks and the rapidity of the pursuit.[2]
On 12 March 1942, the 6th Division embarked for the Far East, but was diverted to defend Ceylon. On 6 April 1942, he relinquished command of the 6th Division Engineers and became the Chief Engineer of the garrison of Ceylon with the temporary rank of brigadier. He finally embarked for Australia on 24 April, reaching Adelaide on 27 May. He was posted to the G staff at Second Army Headquarters.[2]
On 5 June, he became Deputy Engineer-in-Chief at Advanced Land Headquarters (LHQ),
After the war ended, he relinquished these appointments on 8 November 1945, and was placed on the supernumerary list. On 18 December he was transferred to the Reserve of Officers with the rank of colonel, retaining brigadier as an honorary rank. He served as an
Later life
Returning to civilian life, Lucas became the Commonwealth Director of Works in the Northern Territory. He was a member of the
Lucas died in St Leonards, New South Wales, on 3 September 1978, and his remains were cremated. He was survived by his daughter and one of his two sons.[1]
List of honours
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References
- ^ ISSN 1833-7538. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z "Lucas, Leonard Cuthbert". National Archives of Australia. B883 DX200. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ Kellner, Lydia (2 August 2014). "Glorious chapter revealed". Townsville Bulletin. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
- ^ "No. 30107". The London Gazette (1st supplement). 1 June 1917. p. 5421.
- ^ "No. 30188". The London Gazette (1st supplement). 17 July 1917. p. 7254.
- ^ a b c "No. 35209". The London Gazette (1st supplement). 4 July 1941. p. 3884.
- ^ a b "No. 40076". The London Gazette (1st supplement). 15 January 1954. p. 441.
