William Knox Leet (VC, CB) (November 3, 1833 - June 29, 1898) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was 45 years old, and a Major in the 1st Bn., 13th Regiment (later The Somerset Light Infantry - Prince Albert's), British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 28 March 1879 at Inhlobana, Zululand, South Africa, during the retreat, a lieutenant of the Frontier Light Horse whose horse had been shot under him, was on foot and being closely pursued by the Zulus. He would have been killed had not Major Leet taken him upon his horse and rode with him under fire of the enemy to a place of safety.

Further information

He later achieved the rank of Major General. He commanded the 1st Battalion and 2nd Battalion, The Prince Albert's (Somersetshire Light Infantry) in the 1880s.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the The Somerset Light Infantry Museum (Taunton, Somerset, England).

Reference

• Irish Winners of the Victoria Cross (Richard Doherty & David Truesdale, 2000)
• Monuments To Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
• The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)

See also

External links

• Location of grave and VC medal (http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/stewart/kent.htm) (Kent)

This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference (http://www.victoriacross.net) with permission.