Born in Ballarat and a commercial traveller by trade, Leonard Eardington Allender was 24 years and single when enlisted the 24th of July 1915 with the rank of Gunner from Unit: Field Artillery Brigade 4, Battery 12 Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of Gunner, Number 6835. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 'Wiltshire' on 18th of November 1915. Appointed Gunner on the 17th of October 1915; Gunner promoted temporary Bombardier in France on the 1st of October 1917; temporary bombardier promoted Bombardier on the 1st of November 1917 and bombardier promoted temporary Corporal, France. Temporary Corporal promoted Sergeant on the 10th of November 1917; Sergeant promoted temporary B.Q.M. Sergeant, France on the 1st of December 1917; temporary B.Q.M.S. on the 1st of January 1918. B.Q.M.S. embarked return to Australia on the 2nd of July 1919 and disembarked on the 2nd of April 1919. Discharged from the 3rd Military District A.I.F. on the 24th of August 1919. 'During the operations covering the period September, to November, 1918, this N.C.O. has carried out the duties of Battery Q.M.S. He has proved himself at all times to be courageous and untiring in his efforts to maintain the supply of rations to the battery during the advance. His general bearing as a soldier under all circumstances and keen foresight has been most conspicuous, with the result that during periods of great stress and hardship, the latter quality has assisted materially in the comfort and health of the men. His conduct has earned him the respect of all who came in contact with him.