|
|
|
|
| George Leigh, the son of General Charles Leigh who fought in the American War of Independence, was commissioned into the 10th Light Dragoons as a cornet in 1790, promoted to lieutenant in 1793. In 1795 he was a captain, and on 4 June 1796 was a major. On 26 Sep 1799 he was the 2nd lieutenant-colonel, then took command in 1804. In October 1808 he was in command when the 10th sailed to Spain to take part in the Peninsula War. He distinguished himself in all the actions that involved the 10th. He was awarded the gold medal for Sahagun and Benevente, and promoted to a brevet colonelcy. After the disastrous retreat to Corunna in the winter of 1808-9 the regiment returned to England. Colonel Leigh retired on 3 May 1810. The watercolour drawing c1801 is by Robert Dighton Junior, showing the distinctive features of Lieutenant-Colonel Leigh, dressed in the blue jacket with yellow facings, and badges of the 10th LD on his cap and sabretache. |
Regimental Details | Commanding Officers
Armed Forces | Art and Culture | Articles | Biographies | Colonies | Discussion | Glossary | Home | Library | Links | Map Room | Sources and Media | Science and Technology | Search | Student Zone | Timelines | TV & Film | Wargames
