Edward Pemberton Leach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Edward Pemberton Leach
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Gen. Sir Edward Leach
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| Born | 2 April 1847 County Londonderry, Ireland |
| Died | 27 April 1913 (aged 66) Cadenabbia, Lake Como, Italy |
| Buried |
Griante Cemetery, via Independezia, Griante
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1866–1912 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | Royal Engineers |
| Commands held | 9th (Scottish) Division Scottish Command |
| Battles/wars | Lushai Expedition Second Anglo-Afghan War Mahdist War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Order of the Bath Royal Victorian Order |
General Sir Edward Pemberton Leach (born 2 April 1847 – died 27 April 1913) was an Irish soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. This medal is given for incredible courage when facing the enemy.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edward Pemberton Leach was born in County Londonderry, Ireland, on 2 April 1847. He went to school in England at Highgate School.
Military Career and Bravery
Leach joined the Royal Engineers as an officer in 1866. This is a special part of the army that deals with engineering tasks.
When he was 31 years old, he was a Captain in the Corps of Royal Engineers. He was serving with the Bengal Sappers and Miners during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. This war took place in Afghanistan.
On 17 March 1879, near Maidanah, Afghanistan, Captain Leach showed incredible bravery. He was helping to protect a group of soldiers who were carrying a badly wounded officer. A much larger group of enemy fighters attacked them.
Captain Leach, along with some soldiers from the 45th Sikhs, bravely charged at the enemy. During this fight, Captain Leach personally fought and defeated several enemies. He was also badly wounded in his left arm by an Afghan knife.
His amazing courage and determination in attacking and pushing back the enemy saved his entire group from being wiped out. Because of this brave act, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
Later Military Roles
After his heroic actions, Captain Leach was promoted. He became the Commander of the 24 Field Company during the Suakin Expedition in 1885.
He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming a Major-General in 1897. In 1900, he became the General Officer Commanding for Belfast in Ireland. During this time, he helped create the Ballykinlar training camp for soldiers.
From 1902 to 1905, he commanded the 9th Division in Ireland. Later, from 1905 to 1909, he was the Commander-in-Chief for Scottish Command. He retired from the army in 1912.
Final Years
Sir Edward Pemberton Leach passed away in Cadenabbia, Lake Como, Italy, on 27 April 1913. His younger daughter, Elsie Leach, became a well-known expert on birds.
His Victoria Cross Medal
Sir Edward Pemberton Leach's Victoria Cross medal is on display at the Royal Engineers Museum in Chatham, England.
