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3567 Colour-Sergeant William Percy Ledbrook, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders. Killed in action at Paardeberg on 18th February 1900, aged c.24/25.

King's Middle School closed in 1906, with the headmaster, pupils, and effects moving to Warwick School. The plaque is now in the War Memorial Gallery at Warwick School.





The list of casualties in the battle with General Cronje at Paardeberg includes the name of Colour-Sergeant W. P. Ledbroke, of the 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, who was a native of Warwick. Colour-Sergeant Ledbroke received his education at the King's Middle School, and joined the army after a short service on the Great Western Railway. He was well known in Warwick. Ledbroke had previously served in the Chitral Campaign.
Leamington Spa Courier, Saturday 3rd March 1900


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It has been suggested that a tablet should be erected at the King's Middle School, Warwick, to the memory of Colour-Sergeant W. P. Ledbrook, of the Seaforth Highlanders - an old boy of the School - who fell at Paardeberg. The Head-master (Mr. Horace S. Pyne) has intimated that he will be very pleased to assist in carrying out the suggestion ; and proposes that all old boys who were contemporaries of this brave and gallant soldier, and are able to be present, should meet at the School on Friday, the 23rd inst., at 8.30 p.m., when a committee might be formed and the form of the memorial decided upon.
Leamington Spa Courier, Saturday 10th March 1900




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Amongst those who fought and fell in the attack on Cronje's laager at Paardeberg, a few days before the Boer commandant surrendered, was Colour-Sergeant Ledbrook, of the Seaforths. Ledbrook was a Warwick man, and an old scholar of the King's Middle School, Warwick; and when the fact of his decease became known it was felt among his old school fellows that his devotion to his Queen and country ought to be handed down to posterity by the erection of some permanent memorial in the school so closely connected with the days of his youth. To crystallize the movement into a definite form, and to discuss ways and means, a meeting of old boys was held at the School on Friday evening of last week, when a representative company of old scholars from the immediate neighbourhood attended. The Head-master of the School (Mr. H. S. Pyne) was voted to the chair. He first of all read a letter from Mr. Makepeace, an old boy, who wrote expressing his entire sympathy with the movement and promising financial assistance. Mr. Pyne, in a few introductory remarks, then said he was personally unacquainted with the soldier who was at that moment no doubt lying in an unknown grave on the veldt, but at least he had known him from conversations he had had with old boys, from letters, etc., and for his good scholarship. The least thing they could do to honour him was to erect some tribute to the memory of the gallant soldier who was such a credit to himself and his old school. No doubt if he had survived the struggle for British supremacy in South Africa, he would have gained his commission. Most of those present that evening were strangers to him (the speaker), but he felt that all would rally round the old School to perpetuate the memory of one they all honoured. It had been suggested that the memorial should take the form of a tablet, and it was for them to decide where it should be placed, and whether it should be of stone or of brass with a stone mounting. - Mr. R. T. Hills expressed the hope that the meeting would decide in favour of a public unveiling ceremony, both in recognition of Ledbrook's sacrifice and of his connection with the King's Middle School. (Hear, hear). - Mr. Purser seconded the proposal, which was carried. - A discussion followed as to the most suitable position in the building for the memorial tablet, and on Mr. Chattaway's proposition the big schoolroom was selected. - Messrs. Chattaway, Coltart, Barker, Marcy, Whitehead, and Purser, were appointed as a working committee, with Mr. Pyne as its chairman, and Mr. R. T. Hills secretary and treasurer. - A suggestion was made that the erection of the memorial should be delayed until the conclusion of the War, so that in the event of other old boys falling, their names might be added, but Mr. Coltart said he understood it was to be confined to Colour-Sergeant Ledbrook. If other old boys fell their names might be treated collectively on a similar memorial. Should more money be raised for Ledbrook's memorial than was required, the surplus might be applied to that purpose. - Mr. Whitehead remarked that the memorial was not being erected so much for the fact that Ledbrook had been an old boy at the King's Middle School, as a recognition of his personal character. He should support the entire restriction of the memorial to Ledbrook. - Mr. Pyne expressed his personal agreement with Mr. Whitehead, and it was ultimately decided that the tablet should be confined to Colour-Sergeant Ledbrook, and that surplus subscriptions should be devoted to erecting a memorial to any other old boys who might fall at the war. - A final decision of the meeting was that designs should be received by the Committee, and the most suitable submitted to a meeting to be called at a later date.
Leamington Spa Courier, Saturday 31st March 1900


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. The ceremony of unveiling the Ledbrook Memorial - Ledbrook being an old boy of the School - took place at the conclusion of the sports on Wednesday evening in the big school, and proved most interesting and impressive. The room was prettily decorated with flags and bunting. On the platform erected at one end of the room were large plants and flowers, as well as a good display of bunting. The memorial, which hung on the south-east wall of the large school room, took the form of a brass tablet on a background composed of oak. The tablet is crowned with the regimental badge, an antelope's head, under which is written the motto, "Cuidich'n Rich." On the tablet is engraved the following inscription: - "In memory of Colour-Sergeant W. P. Ledbrook, 2nd Seaforth Highlanders, who fell at Paardeberg, South Africa, 18th February, 1900." Over the memorial hung a large Union Jack. The memorial was subscribed for by the past and present members of the King's Middle School, who deeply feel the loss of one so popular and well beloved. The tablet is the work of Mr. F. Holt, of Warwick.
The late Colour-Sergeant W. P. Ledbrook, as before stated, was an old King's Middle School boy. After leaving school he joined his father on the railway, but soon abandoned this for active service. During the time he met with his death he was attached to Methuen's force, and had taken part in the battles of Belmont, Graspan, and Magersfontein. His last engagement, and which to him proved fatal, was in the attack upon Cronje's laager at Paardeberg in February, 1900.
The unveiling ceremony, which was a very impressive one, was performed by Colonel Glasgow. The chair was taken by the Headmaster, who was supported on the platform by Alderman Mann, Mr. J. Lloyd Evans, Messrs. W. Davis, B.A., C. P. Pratt, and R. T. Hill (old boys). In the room were several friends and relatives of the brave soldier, and besides them a large number of old boys were present, including Messrs. W. L. Coltart, W. T. Whitehead, A. W. Baker, A. H. Mercy, R. N. Gold, W. Findon, T. Lloyd Evans, E. D. Shepheard, J. Holt, and others.
Mr. Pyne said they were met together that evening, many of them with very mixed feelings. Sorrow naturally they felt, particularly amongst the old boys, in having sustained a great loss in the death of a well beloved friend and old school fellow, Colour-Sergeant Ledbrook, and gladness that they had been enabled thus to do him honour, he meant in the erection of the beautiful tablet which Colonel Glasgow had come to unveil for them. (Applause). Anxiously they watched those dark days of December in 1899, and through those brighter days of the Empire in the early months of the New Year, when after the relief of Kimberley by General French on February 15th, they followed very carefully the movements of the various brigades. Further south the Highland Brigade was sent to Modder River by a forced march. This concentration of troops culminated in the battle of Paardeberg, where poor Ledbrook fell and met his God. He well remembered the spontaneous feelings which manifested themselves when the tidings of Ledbrook's death reached Warwick. In March, 1900, they held a meeting to see what could be done in memory of Ledbrook, for Colour-Sergeant Ledbrook when at school gained the love and affection of all. He was an industrious and conscientious scholar, and reached the highest position in the school he believed, or could have if he liked. He was brave and honest in manly sports, and was king of the school. In cricket he was smart in the field, and in football he was the best "three-quarter's" they ever had. (Applause).
Mr. W. Davis, an old boy contemporary of Ledbrook, said he had been asked to speak to them that evening on behalf of those who had subscribed towards that tablet. Ledbrook when at school was excellent both in study and sports, carrying off the challenge cup each year. After leaving school, he followed his father's footsteps, and accepted a post on the railway. However, his love for adventure determined him to make up his mind to give this up, and to join the Army. In the present South African War he went through several battles, and at Paardeberg he met his fate. He was a good type of a schoolboy, soldier, and friend, and was greatly endeared to his old comrades. It was this reason which prompted the old boys to put that tablet in the school, and in doing so they had followed the example of other schools. It would be a good thing for them, he thought, to put up some suitable tablet to perpetuate some of the other boys who had distinguished themselves, not only in the Army and Navy, but in any walk of life. (Applause). This was, he thought, the first mark of recognition of the old boys. Amongst other old boys he would mention Escott, who won the school challenge cup, and who went through the siege of Ladysmith. (Applause). He would also mention Browne, who took part in the action at Spion Kop. (Applause). He felt certain those old boys, who were not with them that evening in presence, were with them in spirit, and were unanimously with them in the respect they were paying to an old comrade, of whom they felt justly proud. (Loud applause).
Colonel Glasgow, who was warmly received, said they were there that day to unveil a memorial to one of the old boys of that school, who died for the honour of his country and the Empire, in South Africa. (Applause). In a shorter time than usual he had risen to the position of colour-sergeant, a position which required good conduct, smartness, and manhood. How much further Ledbrook would have risen they knew not. There were men who had risen rapidly in the army, and had done noble deeds. He mentioned General Sir Hector MacDonald - (applause) - as one of those who had advanced most rapidly, and had done good service in this South African War. He enlisted in 1871, and was brought under the notice of Sir Frederick Roberts (now Lord Roberts), in the Afghan War, in 1879. He got his commission, and rose steadily to his present position of commanding officer in India. (Applause). It was open to all who served His Majesty to rise in this manner. It was not only through the Army and Navy that men served the Empire. What was called Imperialism he took to be merely patriotism on a larger scale. We all wished to bind ourselves together, and if necessary to defend our country; everyone should be imbued with a spirit of patriotism. (Applause). In Warwick they had sent their sons abroad, as in other towns. The rising generation was represented by the boys of the School. Wherever they went he hoped they would be imbued with that spirit of loyalty and devotion to the Empire, and that the feeling would be strengthened by the recollection of the memorial to one of their boys who died, which he now had the honour to unveil. (Applause). Colonel Glasgow then unveiled the tablet by means of a cord, which removed the flag, and exposed the memorial to the audience.
Mr. Pyne announced that he had just received a telegram from an old boy, and a contemporary of Colour-Sergeant Ledbrook, Mr. Ernest Roberts. In his telegram he wrote expressing his regret at not being able to be present, adding that he was proud the school had raised a memorial to one who was so popular. Mr. Pratt, an old comrade of Ledbrook, also spoke a few words in high praise of the late Colour-Sergeant.
Alderman Mann, in proposing a vote of thanks to Colonel Glasgow for coming there that night, said the managers of the school felt deeply grateful to the gallant officer, as in that act he forged the link which would connect the school with the British Army for all time to come. (Applause). As Colonel Glasgow had very properly said, the present beautiful memorial before them would be an incentive to future generations of boys passing from the school to take up a military career. He, for one, speaking as a humble civilian, thought the time was coming when the schools of this country might be made far more available as nurseries to the British Army than they were at the present moment. He thought it would not be a very expensive matter if the Government would aid schools with regard to teaching boys to ride and to shoot. (Applause). What an enormous reserve force they would have, when these young men would be available at any time for active service for their country, and they then need not stand in fear of a reverse to our arms at any time. (Applause).
Mr. J. Lloyd Evans, in seconding the proposition, said they were all indebted to Colonel Glasgow, and especially the old boys, for his presence that evening, and for having so honoured the memory of an old comrade of theirs. He (Mr. Evans) knew personally what a credit to the school Ledbrook was when there. He was sure they were all glad the old boys had joined together to pay that tribute to his memory. He was one of those who thought the greatness of the Empire depended more largely upon the spirit of industrial enterprise amongst its sons. He hoped they would not misunderstand him in making that remark, because no one was more pleased with Ledbrook's bravery and splendid conduct than he was. (Applause).
Colonel Glasgow, in returning thanks, remarked that it was a pleasure to him to perform that act to the memory of a dear brother of theirs. (Applause).
The interesting proceedings then terminated.
Leamington Spa Courier, Friday 5th July 1901


My thanks to Mr. Gervald Frykman, the Warwick School Archivist, for the photos and information on W. P. Ledbrook. The photo of the King's Middle School building dates from c.1920, some 15 years after the school had closed.