John Leak VC was born 1892 in Portsmouth, England. After emigrating to Australia he enlisted into the 9th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, on 28 January 1915 in Rockhampton, Queensland. On 16 April 1915 he embarked from Brisbane, Queensland to serve in Gallipoli. The Victoria Cross was awarded for bravery and heroism displayed on 23 July 1916, during the Battle of Pozières, France.