Leland, Herbert John Collett, 1873-1931 (Soldier, West African Frontier Force)
Dates
- Existence: 1873 - 1931
Biography
Captain Herbert John Collett Leland served in the Gold Coast Constabulary, and West African Frontier Force, 1897-98; received a commission in the 5th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers in 1900. He served in West Africa in 1906, taking part in the operations in Ashanti, being present at the relief of Kumasi and the action at Obassa, as ADC to the OC, Field Force. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 March 1901]. He was Adjutant, Militia, and Adjutant, Special Reserve (5th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers) 1904-9; employed with the West African Frontier Force, 1912-14; promoted Captain, 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regt, 1915, and saw action on the Western Front, 1916-17, and suffered severely from post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. He was later employed with the Colonial Office. (See: angloboerwar.com https://www.angloboerwar.com/medals-and-awards/non-boer-war/1886-distinguished-service-order-victorian-1886-1902?gid=24_pq_0&p=12> [accessed 23 August 2022]).
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Personal collection of devotional materials (Islamic), undated (extant by 20th Cent. C.E.)
A collection of 201 loose sheets, on which are written charms, Muslim prayers, and invocations.
These manuscripts were found on the body of a Hausa soldier named Mama Bakāno, who was killed at the siege of Kumasi on June 15th, 1900 C.E.
They were given to Capt. Leland, West African Frontier Force, by the deceased's brother, who was also serving in the fort during the siege, and presented by Capt. Leland to the Library through Mr. Hope Findlay, W.S.