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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