Ms Debbie Leatham shares the story of grandfather, Arthur Victor Bond.

Arthur Victor Bond was my grandfather. He died on the 30 October 1957, while I was not born until 1960. Although I didn’t get to meet my grandfather, I know so much about his life through the wisdom of his war diaries and various accounts from family members.  I wish I had the opportunity to know him, nonetheless I am so proud of him and have researched his life and written about him so that my children and generations thereafter can remember him.

Grandfather was from Yinnar, Victoria. At the start of the War, he sailed on the HMAT Wiltshire.  After training in Egypt he eventually continued on to Gallipoli and landed there on 23 May 1915.  After the hardships of life at Gallipoli he was eventually evacuated on 11 December 1915 and returned to Egypt. As a member of the 4th Light Horse, Arthur was part of the Sinai and Palestine campaign and took part in the charge of Beersheba.

Arthur was awarded a Military Medal for his actions in the Middle East.  This was based on the following recommendation “ At Black Hill, Jordan Valley on 3 May 1918, Arthur Victor Bond went out from cover and picked up a wounded man and carried him on his back to the Dressing Station, about 600 yards distance. This position was a very exposed one and swept by machine gun fire and rifle fire of the enemy.  Had this gallant action not been carried out, this man would have been killed, as the position was exposed to numerous snipers and machine gunners.”  Arthur returned back to Melbourne on the 24 December 1918 via the Port Darwin.