Cecil [Choppie] George Leslie's service with the Northumberland Fusiliers

Cecil [Choppie] George Leslie's service with the Northumberland Fusiliers

The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers A short time ago I managed to secure a large amount of photographs from a well known auction site. Nearly all of those items related to the above officer - Cecil George Leslie (nicknamed - 'Choppie' Leslie), who was born in 1879 atCorravahan House, County Cavan, Ireland. On the outbreak of the South African War, Choppie Leslie, as he was known, took a commission in the Army and on the 5th January 1901, he became 2nd/Lieutenant C.G. Leslie, 3rd Bn, Northumberland Fusiliers, which was one of two additional 'Regular' Battalions assigned to the Regiment, which had been formed at Victoria Barracks, Portsmouth in 1900. Just over a year later, on the 12th February 1902, he was promoted to full Lieutenant. He appears to have been an accomplished horseman, as he went on to serve with the 3rd Battalions, Mounted Infantry Company which, during this period of time, were regarded as 'elite' troops. He eventually became the OC of its Mounted Infantry Section, being promoted to Captain on the 18th February 1911. Choppie became a well known hunter and writer of a series of articles, which appeared in St Georges Gazette, the Regimental Journal of the Northumberland Fusiliers. The main title heading of the articles was "Big Game Hunting in Barotseland", which appeared in the journal in July 1910, and completed in May 1911. At that time big game hunting was an expected part of an officer’s life when based in the Colonies. However Choppie didn't just hun; he actively studied the numerous native tribes which were scattered throughout Southern Africa and his articles were often accompanied with photographs of native Africans in their traditional clothing. With recognition of his skilled horsemanship Choppie Leslie eventually transferred to the 3rd Dragoon Guards, prior to the outbreak of World War One. He was badly injured in the opening actions of the conflict, including the loss of an eye, and upon his return to duty was seconded to the Seine Divisional H.Q. for the duration of the War. He was later awarded the Military Cross, and then given the honorary rank of Brevet-Major. He never regained full health and died at Corravahan, county Cavan, Ireland in August 1919.

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  • Profile picture for Cecil George Leslie

    Born 1879

    Died 1919

    British Army Captain Army Staff 36th Divisional Head Quarters

    British Army Major Army Staff 36th Divisional Head Quarters

    British Army Major Dragoon Guards