Jul 22, 2017 — GREENWOOD, BC (BG) [Revised]

In a recent feature we mentioned a local Greenwood personality who was honoured in 1901 for his service in the Boer War. Lieutenant J. Edwards Leckie was a Canadian serviceman who fought against the Boers as a member of the famous Strathcona's Horse regiment. He was honoured with the Distinguished Service Order for his efforts, and our article described a grand celebration Greenwood held to welcome him home from Africa.

But in fact, there were two prominent Leckie's in Greenwood who distinguished themselves in military service: the aforementioned Lieut. J. E. Leckie, and a brother of higher rank, Major R. G. Leckie. The relationship between the two is noted in a 1902 news report in the Boundary Creek Times:_[1]

"Included in the list of names mentioned by the officer commanding in the famous Hart River battle for conspicuous bravery and good work performed is that of Capt. R. G. Edwards Leckie who is better known to the people of Greenwood as Major Leckie. M.E. Major Leckie had charge of the Republic mine for some time and he and his brother Jack are among the fourth contingent officers in South Africa."

Another Times article reports on the brothers' military career:_[2]

"Among those who enlisted under Major Leckie were Herbert Holmes, E. Kerfoot and J. Custance of Greenwood, and J. E. Coryell, the well known surveyor. Both J. E. and R. G. Leckie have secured captaincies in the Third Contingent ant will go to the front.

Jack Edwards Leckie was junior to his brother, Robert Gilmour Edwards Leckie, the former being a Lieutenant and the latter a Lieutenant Colonel at the time the portraits shown here were photographed, and eventually a Major-General in 1917. However, it seems that the junior Leckie's service to the Crown has been most often written about, perhaps due to the fame of the Strathcona Horse regiment. (Both brothers are frequently referred to by the name Edward, although they actually carried the family name, Edwards.)

Before we write at length next week about Lieutenant J. E. Leckie and his distinguished service in Strathcona's Horse, we will first share some details on the history of R. G. E. Leckie.

Both of the brothers are known to have been in Greenwood as early as 1899. They are mentioned in a social report in the Boundary Creek Times in February of that year, socializing with visitors from Rossland:_[3]

"Copper street, Greenwood, presented an interesting sight on Monday last. Anyone living in Rossland in its palmy days could easily imagine that Copper street was Columbia ave, and Greenwood was Rossland. The sun was shining brightly and everyone felt an inclination to get outside to talk shop. The great and only Clabon was there mixing up mining-stocks with politics. Charley Lockhart was sizing up the furniture needs of the crowd and incidently their chances of catching something more fatal than the mining craze. C. B. Townsend, Alexander Dick, Major Leckie, J. Edwards Leckie, E. Thursby Pelhain, Clive Pringle, A. M. Whiteside, J. Anderson, A. W. Strickland and a dozen others — the very best people of Rossland — were all there."

Both Jack and Robert Leckie were very involved in the mining industry, in Greenwood and elsewhere in British Columbia. Both are referred to as being mining engineers; Robert was at one time the manager of the Republic mine. Various reports are found in 1899 issues of the Boundary Creek Times about their mining activities, including R. G. E.'s work on the Montreal mine deal:_[4]

"Major R. G. Edwards Leckie, the well known mining engineer came into the Boundary creek country last year for the purpose of examining big property for a Montreal syndicate at whose head is Clarence J. McCraig of the firm of McCraig, Rykert & Co. Major Leckie was at once impressed with the B. C. and spent five days in examining the property."

Soldiers of the Queen

The Anglo Boer War has been documented quite extensively, and on those pages we find many mentions of the Greenwood brothers, Jack and Robert Leckie. The portraits of Robert, above and below, are unfortunately the only pictures found; none of Jack has yet been located. However, many details of Robert's military history are available, including his own report as a Captain, in his regiment's Staff Diary. One Boer War researcher writes the following:_[5]

"Leckie's military decorations included the Queen's South Africa Medal with the claps "Transvaal" and "South Africa 1902". Although I have been unable to find him listed on the appropriate medal roll he should have been entitled to the Africa General Service Medal with the "Somaliland 1902-04" clasp.

While no World War One Medal Index Card has been found at this time it can be assumed that Leckie was entitled to the 1914-15 Star and the British War and Victory Medals. During World War One Leckie would receive at least two Mention in Despatches, with the first being on 22 June, 1915 a second on 15 June, 1916 when he was also created a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George for his military services. Leckie was also wounded during the war, apparently in 1916.

Leckie seems to have left South Africa soon after the end of the Anglo-Boer War for service in Somaliland during the 1902-04 campaign against Sayyid Muhammad Abd Allah al-Hasan, who was also known as the "Mad Mullah". Invalided to Britain in 1904, Leckie was quoted in the 13 January, 1904 edition of the New York Times with his opinion of the ultimate outcome of the war. He stated that the recent defeat of the Mad Mullah was the beginning of the end of his power and that al-Hasan's forces were now scattered. He also stated that it was his view that Somaliland would have to be occupied. In the end al-Hasan would defy the British until 1920 when he died from influenza. It should be noted that in Leckie's World War One attestation papers he lists his service with the Canadian Forces at home and in South Africa but does not list his service in Somaliland."

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Gilmour Edwards Leckie
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, c. 1900
Gauvin & Gentzel — Photographer
[ Photo: Soldiersofthequeen.com ]

Further details are found on the Soldiers of the Queen website, which also has the two photographs shown here:_[6]

"Square jawed, stalwart and the epitome of the popular ideal of a late Victorian Canadian soldier in this circa 1900 photograph, Robert Gilmour Edwards Leckie was born to Robert Gilmour Leckie and the former Miss Sarah Edwards in Halifax, Nova Scotia on 4 June, 1869.

His primary education took place at Bishop's College School in Lennoxville, Quebec, Canada while his secondary education included a Bachelor of Sciences in mining engineering from King's College University, Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 1895 and Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario were he received the Sword of Honour and the Governor's Generals Medal also in 1895. His career as a mining engineer preceded his degree and his work extended across Canada from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.

Leckie's military service in Canada included being commissioned as a Lieutenant with the 75th Lunenberg Battalion of Infantry in 1891. Promoted Captain in 1892 and rapidly to Major in 1895. He transferred to Princess Louise's New Brunswick Hussars in 1895. Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1910 he oversaw the formation as Officer Commanding of the 72nd Regiment, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.

His foreign service included serving as Squadron Commander of the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles during the Anglo-boer War, 1901-1902. Leckie took part in the Somaliland Expedition between 1902 and 1904. Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding, 16th Canadian Battalion (The Canadian Scottish) Canadian Expeditionary Force - 1914-1915. Brigadier-General - August, 1915. Major-General - June, 1917."

The following excerpts are from the Staff Diary of the regiment Captain R. G. E. Leckie served with in 1902:_[7]

"March 23. At 6.30 p.m. the whole column marched from camp. No great-coats were carried nor wagons or ambulances taken. Each horse carried 6 pounds oats, and each man a half ration of biscuit and tinned meat, and 180 rounds of ammunition. The night was a fairly clear, moonlight night, and the column proceeded due west at a rapid rate, the pace being chiefly at a fast trot or gallop, with an occasional brief halt. The ground and country were undulating, with several large ridges, and partly covered with low bush. During the march several men and horses came to grief on account of the numerous ant holes and rabbit burrows passed over. Weak horses also broke down, but no effort was made to pick up either men or horses, as the object of the march was to push forward a distance of some 45 miles through country occupied by the enemy, and occupy a position in readiness to take part in a combined Drive of numerous columns back over this ground at day-break.

Our column reached Witpoort Ridge, 45 miles distance, at 3 a.m., the left wing, under Major Cameron, formed, with the Imperial Mounted Infantry and Yeomanry, a reserve on the main road running through the ridge. The right wing, under Lt. Col. Evans, occupied the southern half of the ridge, some two and a half miles front, with a chain of outposts. The ridge being very rocky and difficult for horses to move over, it was 4.30 a.m. before a chain was fully completed.

The north half of the ridge was similarly occupied by Damant's Horse. The orders were that at 5 a.m. the whole of the line should move eastward. Just after day-break the forward movement commenced, but my scouts and "A" Squadron, having become engaged with a party of the enemy, were unable to take part in the advance until the line proceeded some distance, and it was necessary for me to occupy the whole of the ground laid out with "C" and a portion of "B" Squadrons instead of with the whole right wing.

As this was the first time the regiment had come in touch with the enemy I attach herewith Capt. R.G.E. Leckie's account (marked "B") of this small engagement on the right of the outposts line. The general advance continued at a trot for a distance of seven miles. At about 7 a.m. our scouts, under Lieut. Callaghan, overtook and captured, in a very smart manner, six wagons, 100 head of cattle and two cape carts, which were being escorted by a party of the enemy. This capture included one prisoner, who had been previously wounded and was on one of the wagons. The regiment arrived in camp at Oorbietjesfontein at 5.30 p.m., having marched during the previous 23 hours some 80 miles. Shortly before reaching camp a heavy thunder and hail storm thoroughly drenched the troops. The wagons with supplies (men's blankets, &c.) had come out from Klerksdorp, escorted by 2,000 infantry. The casualties of the regiment for the day were found to be, on arrival in camp, one wounded slightly (Corpl. Ingram) and 22 missing. The result of the day's work of the regiment was that they killed two of the enemy, wounded two, took three prisoners, six wagons with oxen complete, three cape carts, 100 head of cattle and six ponies. Some thirty of our horses were left exhausted or injured on the road." …

"B."
Captain R. G. E. Leckie's report on Night March of March 23.
Oorbietjesfontein, March 25, 1902.

"Sir, — I have the honour to report that during the night march of the 23rd, several men of "A" Squadron were left behind the Column owing to their horses falling or giving out. All except two eventually rejoined the Column, some on foot. Of the two. Private Haggerty was captured, while leading his lame horse, by a commando of about 60 Boers dressed in khaki and wearing helmets. When he discovered the party were Boers he threw away his rifle bolt and hid all his ammunition. Private Haggerty reported last evening. Private Fraser, the other missing man, was reported as being seen stripped by Boers, making his way to Klerksdorp, at 3 a.m. on 24th, in company with four other Canadians.

On arriving on the Witpoort Ridge, the scouts, under Lieut. Callaghan, and 1st Troop "A" Squadron, occupied the most southerly position. Three hundred yards north of them was Lieut. E. Blake Allan, with the 2nd Troop of "A" Squadron, and about the same interval separated the 3rd Troop from the 2nd, and the 4th from the 3rd. I was with Lt. Fishwick and the 3rd Troop, when word was sent back that the Boers were advancing on the position occupied by Lieuts. Tryon and Callaghan. I immediately had the horses led in rear of the 4th Troop and informed Lieuts. Richards and Hiam, of "B" Squadron, telling the latter to carry the word along. Returning to the threatened position I met a scout returning with a young Boer prisoner. While questioning him I heard firing and immediately proceeded to the point from which it came. On arriving there I found that Lieuts. Callaghan, Tryon and E. B. Allan had retired with the troops to a favourable defensive position and, while there, had fired on three approaching Boers, killing two.

After my arrival, Lieut. Callaghan and some scouts went forward to examine the bodies, which lay about 50 yards from the position. On hearing a movement in the bushes they fired several shots, wounding severely one man, as subsequently discovered. The rifle was taken from the nearest dead Boer and all retired to a position which I selected in rear of the 3rd Troop.

A train of wagons was observed moving in a south-easterly direction across the south end of the kopje just as day was breaking, and Boers were seen in spanning on the western side of the hill, when it was noticed that the general movement of our troops had begun, consequently all thought of their capture had to be abandoned. I gave orders to mount and extend immediately on leaving the kopje. Owing to meeting the Boers, 'A' Squadron was not occupying its assigned position in the general scheme, part of "D" and "B" Squadrons having" moved across our front. However, we filled in whatever gaps occurred on the right of the line.

Later in the day Lieut. Callaghan and some scouts captured some wagons from the Boers, and Lieut. E. Blake Allan with 2nd Troop, brought them safely into camp, although followed for some time by several Boers. The 1st Troop, under Lieut. Tryon, was forming the centre of the advance for most of the day, while the 4th Troop and most of the 3rd Troop were in the second line under Sqdn. Sergt. Major Dyer.

Mentioned in final list submitted by me to the Comander-in-Chief, for continuous good service. T. D. B. E., Lt-Col.

The horses being tired from the hard night's march, and having to move rapidly to catch up with the extended line, had the tendency to mix up the units, particularly as each Troop of 'A' Squadron left the ridge for the same point. Had it not been for Lieut. Callahan's good work with the scouts, serious trouble might have occurred before the ridge could be left with safety.

I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant.
R. G. EDWARDS LECKIE, Capt.,
2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles.

To Lt. Col. T. D. B. Evans, C.B., Commanding. 2nd C.M.R."

It appears that sometime between his rounds of service in the Boer War in 1901-2, and the Somaliland Expedition in 1902-04, R. G. E. Leckie had occasion to return to the Greenwood area. An April 1901 edition of the Greenwood Weekly Times announced:_[8]

"Lieut. J. Leckie returned last night from Republic where he has been visiting with his brother, Major Leckie. "Jackie de Leck" will shortly invade the Similkameen."

While the next report, from Jul 04, 1901_[9] doesn't give us the location of R. G. E. Leckie's whereabouts, the nature of his ailment may indicate he and his brother were back in Africa. It seems more likely that the mail arrived in Greenwood later than its writer, given that we find no record of Jack Leckie's return to service in Africa after his Greenwood reunion."

"Duncan Mcintosh has received a letter from Capt. J. Edward Leckie of the fourth contingent written from the hospitaL in Johannesburg. Capt. Leckie had been ill with enteric fever but waS rapidly recovering when the letter was written. His brother R. G. Edward Leckie was also down with enteric fever."

Following his tour of duty with the Somaliland Expedition, 1902 to 1904, we find no mention of R. G. E. Leckie having returned to Greenwood.

The next report is a rather unfortunate one. In July 1909, the Boundary Creek Times reported that Major R. G. Leckie (apparently Major R.G.E.'s father) had been put under arrest for fraud:_[10]

"Major R. G. Leckie has been arrested in Sudbury on a charge of fraud. The complaint is made by Mr. William Marshall, at present residing in Montreal, but better known in Grey's Siding, Ont., and Toronto. He has been the recognized owner of Grey's Siding Development Co., Limited, for some time past. Mr. Marshall alleges that he purchased the property previously known as Sterling Mines of Sudbury from Major Leckie for £250,000. This was on May 8, 1908, and the price was to have been paid in five installments, the first being handed over to Major Leckie at the time of the deal.

It was understood, according to the complainant, that the second payment was to be made in 12 months, with 60 days' grace, which meant July 1910. Deeds of the property are in the hands of the Royal Trust company, and Mr. Marshall tendered the second payment to the Royal Trust company. He was met with the reply that the company had received instructions that the property had been sold to the Montreal Trust company, acting for someone at present unknown, on May 13th, this year.

Mr. Marshall's contention is that Major Leckie, under the circumstances, secured the first payment by false pretences, to carry out the original contract, and that in selling the property to the parties represented by the Montreal Trust company Major Leckie has broken his contract and is guilty of fraud.

Sterling Mines became well known a few years ago through big finds of copper, gold and arsenic."

Our last footprint in local newspapers is from April 1910, when the Times reported:_[11]

"LUCKY MAJOR as a Major R. G. Edwards Leckie, familiar to all the old timers in the Boundary, has been offered the command of a new regiment of Kilted Highlanders to be raised in Vancouver. The Major sold a business block in Vancouver for $140,000 recently."

As noted on his bio in the Soldiers of the Queen website, Robert G. E. Leckie became ieutenant-Colonel Commanding of the 16th Canadian Battalion (The Canadian Scottish) Canadian Expeditionary Force, 1914-1915. He was made Brigadier-General in August, 1915, and achieved the rank of Major-General in June, 1917.

Following his stellar career, Robert Gilmour Edwards Leckie married Miss Eileen Sunderland on December 12, 1919 at Victoria, B.C. No children are known to have followed. Major General Leckie died in Vancouver less than two years later, on June 22, 1922. The picture below was the marching brass band that led his funeral procession down Granville Street, no doubt attired in honour of his Kilted Highlanders.

Funeral procession of Major General R.G. Edwards Leckie
Granville Street, Vancouver — June 1922
[ Photo: City of Vancouver Archives, Item# P1564.4 ]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Boundary Creek Times — May 23, 1902, p. 6

[2] Boundary Creek Times — Dec 27, 1901, p. 4

[3] Boundary Creek Times — Feb 15, 1899, p. 4

[4] Boundary Creek Times — Jun 17, 1899, p. 5

[5] Service Records of Major R.G.E. Leckie
http://www.soldiersofthequeen.com

[6] Biographical Information on Robert Gilmour Edwards Leckie
http://www.soldiersofthequeen.com/page8-Canada-TheEmpiresWildWest.html

[7] Regimental Staff Diary — March 1902
https://angloboerwar.com/forum/8-events/10005-2nd-regt-canadian-mounted-rifles-south-african-war-staff-diaries#20649

[8] Greenwood Weekly Times — Apr 11, 1901, p. 4

[9] Boundary Creek Times — Jul 04, 1901, p. 6

[10] Boundary Creek Times — Jul 23, 1909, p. 3
https://open.library.ubc.ca/collections/bcnewspapers/xboundarycr/items/1.0171308#p0z-8r0f:Leckie%20AND%20fraud

[11] Boundary Creek Times — Apr 22, 1910, p. 1