General Sir Alexander Leith KCB

1853-1859

Alexander Leith was related to the Earls of Kintore, of the Scottish peerage. He joined the Army as an Ensign on the 8^th August 1792, promoted Lieutenant in October 1794 and on 27^th November became Captain. Further promotions followed to Major, 1^st August 1805, Lieutenant Colonel on the 7^th February 1811; Colonel 19^th July 1821; Major General 22^nd July 1830; Lieutenant General 23^rd November 1841 and General 20^th June 1854. He was appointed Colonel, the 31^st Regiment on the 14^th June 1853.

Sir Alexander Leith served in Flanders with the 42^nd Regiment, particularly at the defence of Nieuport. Served with 31^st Foot at the attack of the post of the Vigie, and at the subsequent capture of St. Lucia, in 1796. In North Holland in 1799, and he was severely wounded and lost an eye at the battle of Alkmaar. In the Egyptian campaign of 1807, including the attack on Rosetta. He served afterwards in the Peninsula, from April 1812 to July 1814, and commanded the 31^st at the battles of Vittoria, the Pyrenees on the 25^th, 28^th and 30^th July, the Nivelle, the Nive, and St. Pierre (where he was severely wounded), storming the heights of Garris, battle of Orthes, action of Aire, and the battle of Toulouse. Sir Alexander received the Gold Cross and one Clasp.

During these years the 31^st Foot were awarded further Battle Honours including Talavera, Albuhera, Vittoria and Nivelle.

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