Corporal Thomas Ellis Leslie


Birth: March 15, 1890 in Newtownbutler, Ireland
Death: February 9, 1918 in France
Service: WWI
Regimental Number: 760142

 Richmond lacrosse team - 1977 1 260
[Thomas Leslie,] Richmond Lacrosse Team, 1913.
Archives item number 1977 1 260

Biography:

Thomas Ellis Leslie enlisted in New Westminster on December 1, 1915, aged 25 years, giving his occupation as lumberman. He gave his mother's name Annie Leslie as the next of kin, still residing in Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, Ireland. Thomas Ellis Leslie was listed in the 1915 voters list as residing in Steveston. He was photographed in 1913-14 as a member of a Richmond lacrosse team. It is probable that he had a family connection with the Leslie Lumber Company of Steveston. The 1911 Greater Vancouver Directory lists a Thomas Leslie as the manager of the Eburne Lumber Company. That Thomas (Samuel) Leslie had come from Ireland, with his wife Mary, in 1909.

On enlistment, Thomas Leslie joined the 121st Overseas Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force as a private and embarked for England on board the Empress of Britain August 14, 1916. He arrived in Liverpool on August 24, 1916. Thomas was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal on arrival in England but spent two months in hospital prior to transferring to the 3rd Pioneer battalion. He arrived at the front in France on December 29, 1916 and was transferred to the 7th Battalion in May 1917 and he was killed in action on February 2, 1918. The memorial cross, plaque and scroll were sent to his mother by the Canadian government. Mrs. Annie Leslie was also his beneficiary for his real estate and personal belongings.

History of the Road Name (Leslie Road):

  • More research needed