Leonard Maurice Keysor
Born:
25 Heshvan 5646 (03 November 1885)
Died:
15 Tishri 5712 (15 October 1951)
Basic Information
Birth
Date of birth:
25 Heshvan 5646 (03 November 1885)
Place of birth:
London, United Kingdom
Death
Date of death:
15 Tishri 5712 (15 October 1951)
Burial place:
Cremated, Golders Green Crematorium, London
Places
Addresses
Potts Point, Macleay Street Australia (1914)
Schools
Name:
Compton House, 49 Buckingham Place, Brighton
Name:
Townley Castle School, Compton Street, Ramsgate
The VC Annuity, 12 July 1916
Family legend
Keysor was concerned when he did not receive the annuity granted to VC recipients. He wrote to the Military Secretary on 12 July 1916 enquiring when he could expect to receive it. As a result the War Office wrote to the Australian High Commissioner to the effect that all charges arising out of the Australian Imperial Force were to be borne by the Australian Government. The Colonial Secretary, Bonar Law, joined the argument on 12 August stating he did not understand the War Office’s action as he believed the liability was for discharge by the Exchequer under the Royal Warrant. The War Office gave way initially and sought Treasury permission for payment of the VC annuity to Colonial troops.
– Extract from Keira Quinn Lockyer, Keysor VC: Gallipoli’s Quiet Hero, 2014 (page 97)
Family
Spouse
Gladys Louise Keysor (female)
Country of marriage:
United Kingdom
Children
Joan Doris Keysor (female)
Siblings
Nellie Louisa Kyezor (female)
Stanley Louis Kyezor (male)
Marjorie Kyezor "Madge" (female)
Doris Violet Kyezor (female)
Parents
Father: Benjamin Joseph Kyezor (male)
Mother: Julia Kyezor (female)
Military Record
Date enlisted/conscripted:
18 September 1914
Date discharged/death:
12 December 1919
Assignments
Posting:
Egypt
Gallipoli
Western Front
Campaigns:
Battle of Lone Pine, Gallipoli
Battle of Pozières, France
Battalion/unit:
11th Brigade, 3rd Division
Campaigns:
The Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, France
Medals:
1914 Star no. 2984
The British War Medal no. 2112
Victory Medal no. 2116
The Victoria Cross, awarded for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty at Lone Pine trenches in the Gallipolli Peninsula on 7 August 1915, on the 8 August at great risk to himself and wounded, successfully bombed the enemy out of position. Although wounded, declined to leave for hospital and volunteered as a bomb thrower for another company, until the situation was relieved.
Gallery
1 of 6
Plaque at Golders Green Crematorium, London, to honour Keysor and 13 other VC recipients who were cremated there.
2 of 6
Lt Leonard Keyzor VC renacts his Victoria Cross winning exploits in the film ‘For Valour’. Illustrated London News, 29 October 1927
3 of 6
Copy of letter sent to Leonard’s mother and sister Madge
4 of 6
The March of the VC Recipients, 26 June 1920, London
5 of 6
Article from the Jewish Chronicle
6 of 6
Lieutenant Leonard Keysor VC, 42nd Battalion, 21 August 1918, London
1 of 6
Plaque at Golders Green Crematorium, London, to honour Keysor and 13 other VC recipients who were cremated there.
2 of 6
Lt Leonard Keyzor VC renacts his Victoria Cross winning exploits in the film ‘For Valour’. Illustrated London News, 29 October 1927
3 of 6
Copy of letter sent to Leonard’s mother and sister Madge
4 of 6
The March of the VC Recipients, 26 June 1920, London
5 of 6
Article from the Jewish Chronicle
6 of 6
Lieutenant Leonard Keysor VC, 42nd Battalion, 21 August 1918, London
