| Leach | Harold Pemberton | | Major | LEACH, HAROLD PEMBERTON, Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, late RE, 4th son of Lieutenant Colonel Sir George Archibald Leach, KGB, RE; born 1851; first commission 1871; promoted Colonel by Brevet in 1894; retired in 1908 and became Honorary Brigadier General in 1912. Served with 1st Division Khyber Field Force in command of Company, Bengal Sappers and Miners, 1878-79; was present at capture of Ali Musjid, action at Deh Savak and the operation in the Bazar Valley (Despatches). Subsequently in the Kurram Valley, 1879-80, when he took part in Zaimuckt Expedition, including the taking of Zowa (Despatches, thanks of Government of India, Medal with clasp). Lent to Home Government for service with Camel Transport during the Nile Expedition, 1884-85; present at the actions of Abu Klea and Gubat; Senior Transport Officer on withdrawal of Force from Metemneh (Medal with two clasps; Bronze Star; Brevet of Major). Senior RE with Lushai Expedition 1888-89 (honourably mentioned; Medal with clasp). CRE with Chin-Lushai Expedition. 1889-90 (Despatches, clasp, Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel); Created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 30 May 1891]: "Harold Pemberton Leach, Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Engineers". CRE (Colonel on the Staff) with Chitral Relief Force, 1895. Present at taking of Malakand and action on Panjkora River (Despatches, Medal with clasp; CB). Commandant Bombay Sappers, 1890-91. Military Secretary to C-in-C Bombay, 1891-93. Commandant Bengal Sappers, 1893-1900; Brigadier General commanding Presidency District, 1900-05 (thanks of Government of India for despatch of China Expedition from Calcutta); also officiated in command of Peshawar District in 1896, and again in 1898; Lahore District in 1901 and as DQMG Army Headquarters, India, in 1898. During the Great War commanded the 89th Brigade, 4th Army (subsequently turned into 1st Training Reserve Brigade), 1914-1917 (Secretary of State's List, CBE). Subsequently served as Group Commander, Surrey Volunteers.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
