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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 187

A poignant and well-documented Great War trio to Lieutenant E. H. Leatham, 12th Lancers, who was killed in action - and posthumously mentioned in despatches - bringing a wounded man to safety in a desperate engagement near Ypres in October 1914

1914 Star, with clasp (Lieut. E. H. Leatham. 12/Lancrs.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lieut. E. H. Leatham), extremely fine, displayed in a glazed leather frame by Walter Jones, Colchester, 320mm x 492mm, alongside the recipient's full-length portrait photograph in the uniform of the 12th Lancers, his Memorial Scroll and signed Condolence Slip (3)

Edward Hubert Leatham was born at Wentbridge, Yorkshire on 20 July 1886, the second son of E. E. Leatham of Wentbridge House, Pontefract. Educated at Eton and R.M.C. Sandhurst, he was commissioned into the 12th (Prince of Wales' Royal) Lancers on 5 October 1906, becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in August 1908. He greatly distinguished himself in the Regimental Polo Team, taking part in the 1914 Inter-Regimental Cup and Coronation Cup and continuing the equine theme additionally excelled in point-to-point racing.

Based in Norwich in August 1914, the 12th Lancers landed in France as part of the 5th Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division. Leatham disembarked with the regiment on 17 August. On 28 August, 'C' Squadron made a successful charge against a dismounted squadron of Prussian Dragoons at Moy-de-l'Aisne during the Retreat from Mons. This was to be the last occasion on which the regiment charged with lances. The onset of trench warfare saw the 12th Lancers posted to Wytschaete, one of the weakest and most vulnerable points in the Ypres Salient. A regiment of French cuirassiers came up in support.

On 31 October 1914, the Germans intensified their attacks on Wytschaete, capturing an advanced post. Fighting dismounted, the 12th Lancers made a spirited counter-attack, Captain Colmore memorably insisting on brandishing his sword. Lieutenant Leatham advanced at the head of his troop, and was killed in action while trying to drag a wounded man to safety. He had already brought the rest of his troop safely into a trench. While going back to rescue the last man, he was struck by a German shell. That evening, the Germans broke through the British 2nd Cavalry Division and occupied the Messines Ridge. Described in the Regimental History as 'a much-loved officer and outstanding sportsman,' Leatham received a posthumous mention in despatches (London Gazette 22 June 1916, refers). His name is commemorated on Panel 5 of the Menin Gate Memorial. He has no known grave, and was his father's only surviving son; sold with copied research, CWGC Certificate and MIC.


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Sold for
£580

Starting price
£420