William Knox Leet

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William Knox-Leet (VC, CB) born Dalkey, Co Dublin 3 November 1833 was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

He was 45 years old, and a Major in the 1st Bn., 13th Regiment of Foot (later The Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's)), British Army during the Zulu War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

On 28 March 1879 at Inhlobana, Zululand, South Africa, during the retreat, a lieutenant of the Frontier Light Horse whose horse had been shot under him, was on foot and being closely pursued by the Zulus. He would have been killed had not Major Leet taken him upon his horse and rode with him under fire of the enemy to a place of safety.

He married Charlotte Elizabeth Anne Sherlock, a daughter of Thomas Henry Sherlock and Mary Catherine Kingston of Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland. They had no children. William died Great Chart, Kent, 29 June 1898. Memorial in Great Chart Churchyard.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Somerset Light Infantry Museum (Taunton, Somerset, England).