| Lee | George Leonard | | Major | LEE, GEORGE LEONARD, Major, was born at West Maitland, New South Wales, 25 June 1860, son of John Leonard Lee, Leeholme, Paterson, New South Wales, and of his wife, Mary Ann Lee. He was educated at the Grammar School, Armidale, New South Wales; entered the Military Forces in 1888, and commanded the New South Wales Lancers in the South African War, 1899-1900. He was present at the Relief of Kimberley; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February) and actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein and Zand River; operations in the Transvaal, May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Reit Vlei and Belfast; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900, including actions at Colesberg (1 January to 12 February). He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901 ]: "George Leonard Lee, Major, New South Wales Lancers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant, etc, were sent to Australia, and presented by Brigadier General Finn at Sydney 26 April 1902. He was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, and was on the Instructional Staff, New South Wales Military Forces. After the outbreak of the European War he was appointed Brigadier General, commanding 2nd Military District (Queensland), Military Forces of the Commonwealth. He was created a CMG in 1917, and promoted to Major General. He married, at Homebush, New South Wales, 2 January 1896, Emma Ormo Town, daughter of Andrew Town, of Richmond, New South Wales.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | New South Wales contingent |
