William Knox Leet

1st Battalion 13th (1st Somersetshire) Light Infantry

28th March 1879
 

 
William Knox Leet
 
 
 
Major William Knox Leet, 1st Battalion 13th (1st Somersetshire) Light Infantry

   ON March 28, 1879, the fighting on the Inhlobane Mountain, under Sir Evelyn Wood, was so severe that a retirement was deemed advisable. During the retreat the Zulus continuously harassed our men. The 13th Light Infantry formed part of the small force. Towards evening Lieutenant A. M. Smith, Frontier Light Horse, had his horse shot from under him, and, being closely pursued by the enemy, was on the point of being speared, when Major Leet, galloping to his rescue, took him up behind him, riding with him under rifle-fire and a shower of assagais to a place of safety.
   During the Indian Mutiny General Leet served with marked distinction, both with his battalion under Lord Mark Kerr, and as a Staff Officer to several columns towards the end of the campaign, being twice mentioned in general orders. Served in South Africa, 1878, against Sekukuni, and also in the Expedition to Mandalay, 1886-7, in both latter campaigns being mentioned in despatches. Was in 1887 created a Companion of the Bath, and died on June 29, 1898, aged 65. (Born November 3, 1833.)

 

 

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