Arthur Leith-Ross - Palmerston's First War Monument
Most of us have likely passed by, with little notice, a unique feature of Palmerston history. I know I have, many times, perhaps too many. A small yet bold piece of memory that has been lovingly cared for over the years, but has been given little recognition by the tunnel vision towards other explorations and higher education. What I'm speaking of is a beautiful bronze plaque encased in marble located in the front lobby of the library. Placed in what was considered a very prominent spot over 100 years ago, the lobby was the entrance for not only the library, but the post office, town hall and police station. Daily for the last 105 years the townspeople have walked passed what is the first soldiers memorial in Palmerston.
When I first noticed it I was naturally curious to find out more about this mysterious plaque. Many of the questions I asked revolved around who was this person and why would the community put so much prominence on their memorial? Little did I know this particular saga covered three continents, two wars, a love story and a tragic ending. The plaque simply reads: To the Memory of Arthur Leith Ross. Late of the Lancashire Fusiliers and Northern Nigeria Regiment West African Frontier Force and Subsequently Chief Transport Officer of the Protectorate, who died 26th August, 1908. This Memorial is erected by his personal friends in the Government Service of Northern Nigeria in token of their affection and esteem. So the question really is, who was Arthur Leith Ross and why was he in Nigeria in the first place? It seems to be a stretch of the mind to connect a small farming community in southern Ontario to Africa. To set the stage I would like to take a little creative liberty and paint a picture of where this story may have begun; it's the summer of 1879, a young Arthur, only aged two, and his mother holding her newest child William, are standing on the station platform in Palmerston waving to Arthur's father, David, a brakeman with the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway. |
As David climbs aboard a passenger train headed to Guelph he waves back with a reassuring smile and a note of sadness knowing he is leaving his wife and young family alone for the next 12 days. But what ingrains itself into young Arthur is his father's unique attire.
As he boards the train David would be wearing in all its splendor the uniform of an officer in the 30th Wellington Rifles. The dark green surge wool with sharp red piping, gold braiding of a Lieutenant (pronounced Leff-ten-ant)on the epaulets and sleeves, the sharply contrasting white officers sash, the distinct pill box hat with visor and gleaming, freshly polished buttons would put any young impressionable mind in awe. From that day forward young Arthur would have one goal in mind. He wanted to be like his father, standing proud in an officers uniform and seeking out glorious adventure wherever the uniform may take him.
Throughout the 1880's Arthur and his 3 brothers (William b. 1878, Charles b. 1882 and Alexander b. 1884) must have been a handful for their mother. David, now a conductor after the Grand Trunk takeover of the Great Western continued to be based in Palmerston, would have spent much of his time working the lines across Southern Ontario. Mary, working alone would have spent most of her time trying to wrangle their energetic boys and limit the playing of soldier. However, most likely much to his mother's chagrin, Arthur was able to convince his parents to allow him to sign up with the 29th Infantry Battalion based in London. At age 14 as a Private, Arthur would have quickly learned the basics of drill formations and soldiering in a few short weeks the summer of 1892. It was a perfect introduction to what was to come.
That summer of marching in London obviously didn't change his aspirations, shortly afterwards Arthur signed up for and was accepted into the still young Royal Military College in Kingston. His dreams of climbing the ranks and becoming a famous Field Marshall grew stronger every day. After 4 years of study and rigorous training Arthur graduated and returned home to Palmerston. Alas, in 1896 there were no wars for a young enthusiastic officer to charge off to. The only option was to sign up with the local militia and wait for the call.
Arthur joined the 30th Wellington Rifles and was given the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, with the bold green uniform just like his father 20 years earlier. Life as a militia officer would have been enjoyable, but certainly not fulfilling for someone with high aspirations of military glory. Fortunately for Arthur shortly after graduating from RMC the Empire put a call out for men in khaki. The situation in South Africa had reached its breaking point and soldiers were needed.
The Dominion of Canada while still in its infancy had never sent troops abroad at this point; public pressure for and against the war could have ripped the young nation apart. By compromising and sending 1,000 volunteers who would be paid and transported by the British quelled any social unrest. Arthur, not to miss a beat, quickly gathered his kit and surely with some assistance from his father's influence with the railway, made his way to Quebec City, which was the rallying point for the volunteers being prepared for disembarkation.
Upon arrival in Quebec City, Arthur immediately went to the recruitment centre and proudly stood at attention is his crisp officers uniform, fully expecting a "welcome aboard". Little did he know it wasn't to be; his request was denied and as it was later stated "poor and without influence, he saw no hope of gaining the Field Marshall's baton of which he dreamed except on active service."
While for some that would have squashed their hopes and with hung shoulders returned home to wait for another chance, it did not stop Arthur's ambition. Quietly, with two other officers in the same predicament, Arthur stowed away in the bowels of the S.S. Sardinian, which was to leave on the 30th of October for South Africa with the 2nd Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry (1st Contingent). Unable to join his fellow soldiers on the deck on the Sardinian, surely Arthur could still hear the military bands, cheering crowds and 30 gun salute which sent off the troops on their month long voyage.
On 2nd of November, feeling that they had sailed far enough from land, Arthur took his own life in his hands and came out of hiding. He presented himself to Lieutenant-Colonel Otter, commanding officer of the 1st Canadian Contingent, and in possibly a suicidal yet brash move, quoted regulations. As an officer who did not follow direct orders and deserted his militia unit back in Canada, Arthur presented himself for his court martial and execution by firing squad.
Ultimately his bold move worked, Otter knew it was unacceptable to execute perfectly good trained officers. While officers were already in full supply, it was decided Arthur would be made a Sergeant and accepted into the ranks. Surely walking a bit taller with his brazen accomplishment Sgt. Leith-Ross set himself to dealing with the long arduous sea voyage that became the first test of the 1st Contingent.
Conditions on the Sardinian were cramped to say the least, firsthand accounts mention the lack of any room; men, equipment, and even horses were jammed so tightly most men were only briefly able to leave their hammocks to get a few minutes of fresh air each day. Fresh food was almost non-existent and even the fresh water was in such short supply it had to be guarded. The long voyage finally ended on November 29, 1899, when the Sardinian docked at Cape Town. Boarding trains the next day, the Canadian Contingent began a forty hour trip by rail to Belmont, where they joined the rearguard of the British Army. The contingent remained in Belmont for the next two months, training, battling boredom, and disease.
Initially the Canadian troops were considered unprofessional and ill prepared. The British Command kept the Canadians in menial tasks such as guarding prisoners, rail lines and performing other garrison duties. It wasn't until February of 1900 that finally the Canadians were asked to join with the front line forces. This was a huge relief as the health and well being of the Canadian troops was being called into question, even Lieutenant Colonel Otter remarked about the "villainous water" and lack of medical care for the sick. The war was being fought in a climate the Canadians were un-accustomed to, with vicious sandstorms, brutal heat, and a never ending thirst.
Assigned to the 19th Brigade of Infantry the Canadian Contingent began its long march through rough terrain, marching an average 20 miles a day with 40lbs of kit in ill fitting uniforms and surviving on salt pork and biscuits. After a week the column finally reached the Paardeberg Drift. On February 18th, 1900 the British and Canadian Army began a siege on the Boer Forces which were entrenched on the banks of the Modder River. The Canadians suffered what became the bloodiest day in its military history until the Great War; 18 killed and 60 wounded.
Slowly, but surely the Boers were besieged and worn down, and not until the night of the 26th-27th did the Canadians receive permission to creep up on the trenches with the cover of darkness; coming within 60 yards of the Boer lines and digging in. When the enemy awoke they discovered the Canadian rifles bearing down on them and quickly surrendered. Over 4,000 Boer troops were taken prisoner, which accounted for nearly 10% of their entire army. This was the first major victory for the British and the Canadians were given much of the credit.
Sgt. Leith-Ross was certainly noticed for his devotion to duty and leadership skills because shortly after the Battle of Paardeberg he was commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers as a Lieutenant. Now no longer a part of the 1st Canadian Contingent Arthur was on the fast track to that Field Marshall baton he had always dreamt of. Arthur continued to serve with distinction throughout the war and was awarded the Queen's South Africa War Medal with 4 Clasps: Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg and Cape Colony.
Arthur continued to serve as a Lieutenant with the Fusiliers, but kept a close eye out for potential adventure and action. Including volunteering for the Ashanti expedition which became known as the War of the Golden Stool in the Gold Coast and the Aro Expedition of 1901 in Southern Nigeria. At the time the colonial affairs of Great Britain in Africa were keeping their forces busy and there was no lack of potential adventure. Shortly after the Aro Expedition Arthur was seconded by his regiment to join the West African Frontier Force based in Bornu. There Arthur befriended another British Officer Major Upton Fitzherbert Ruxton, who became the catalyst for much of what we know of Arthur today.
Ruxton became a match maker of sorts and suggest Arthur write his sister Sylvia back in England. After months of letters and a blossoming romance, Arthur and Upton returned to England where upon meeting Sylvia in person Arthur proposed marriage. They were married in July of 1907, while the newlyweds celebrated their vows Arthur received a despatch notifying him that he was now appointed to be the Chief Transport Officer in Zungeru of Northern Nigeria. It was here the couple spent their first year of marriage.
It was very rare for a wife to accompany her husband to a place considered dangerous, particularly a place commonly referred to as the "White Man's Grave". Special permission was required from the High Commission, which fortunately for Arthur was Sir Frederick Lugard, who held Arthur and his abilities in very high regard. It was with that approval the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Leith-Ross set out on the 21 day to Zungeru deep in the remote reaches of Nigeria. Sylvia was only the third English woman to enter Nigeria by that time. She perfectly described why Arthur would even dream of serving in such a remote place: "My husband went to Nigeria because pride made him ambitious and humility made him wish to serve."
The journey to Zungeru was uneventful for the most part, Sylvia describes in her book Stepping Stones: Memoires of Colonial Nigeria the changing landscape and the temperate coast of Africa slowly turning into a hot arid climate that most would find difficult to become accustom to. Along with them on the journey they carried everything they would need to live properly for the next year including food and even a small horse drawn "dog cart" for exploring their new home. They both looked forward to the adventure they were embarking on.
Upon arriving in Zungeru the young couple did not have much time to settle in. As Chief Transport Officer Arthur was in charge of developing, building and maintaining a road and railway system within the territory, meaning he spent long stretches of time touring the most remote areas while planning the future transport system that would help "modernize" the area. When the two were together their love continued to flourish.
Sylvia described the joyous times they had entertaining the other officers in their home and taking the dog cart for trips around the country side. Arthur had become an accomplished polo player and she described his love for horses and watching him and the other officers compete 2 or 3 times a week despite the oppressive heat. Their time together was very enjoyable and Sylvia's love for the remote country grew every day.
In August of 1908, Arthur was preparing for another tour to view the newly surveyed road between Bauchi and Loko which would connect some very valuable tin mines. The tour was on hold while the rainy season was coming to an end. With little notice Arthur contracted Blackwater Fever a severe form of malaria and died on the 26th of that month. Sylvia said this:
My husband had had blackwater fever once before and had somehow survived,although he'd been completely alone. The second time it happened in Zungeru; one doesn't know why, it was just an infection, but at the time there was no known cure. He was at once taken to a small hospital and two doctors stayed with him day and night for two days, but he grew weaker and weaker and died within three days.
Of course, death was accepted as part of the day's work, but he had been so much liked that the whole of his colleagues and even the black clerks and the transport boys were all shocked deeply and were, in a way, not so sorry for me as sorry for themselves in that they'd lost a friend and an example. Everybody was kindness itself to me but the only thing to do was for me to go home.
Even Sir Lugard was shocked and dismayed at the news; he wrote of Arthur as "an official of exceptional ability and initiative whose early death was a great loss to the county."
Without the resources to sustain a soldiers widow in Nigeria Sylvia had to return immediately to England. Her love for "Arthur L." as she called him, never waned. She often said she had two loves in her life, Arthur and Nigeria. Sylvia Leith-Ross returned to Nigeria many times in her life and worked diligently in many areas. She became regarded as one of the foremost authorities on Nigerian languages, culture and history, her work and writings are still studied today by scholars.
Sylvia was never able to shake the loss of the love of her life, she worked with friends and family of Arthur to honour his memory in the form of two plaques, each bearing the same inscription, one located in Sylvia's home in Sussex and the other in Arthur's home town of Palmerston. While Arthur Leith-Ross may not have become the Field-Marshall he dreamt of, he certainly was headed there. The accolades and regard many of his peers and superiors had for him were unmatched. Surely he may have made it to that notable rank, but sometimes the life of a promising young soldier can be tragically cut short. He may rest assured with the knowledge that he lived a rich full life of adventure and romance like so many of those fantastic tales of history.
As he boards the train David would be wearing in all its splendor the uniform of an officer in the 30th Wellington Rifles. The dark green surge wool with sharp red piping, gold braiding of a Lieutenant (pronounced Leff-ten-ant)on the epaulets and sleeves, the sharply contrasting white officers sash, the distinct pill box hat with visor and gleaming, freshly polished buttons would put any young impressionable mind in awe. From that day forward young Arthur would have one goal in mind. He wanted to be like his father, standing proud in an officers uniform and seeking out glorious adventure wherever the uniform may take him.
Throughout the 1880's Arthur and his 3 brothers (William b. 1878, Charles b. 1882 and Alexander b. 1884) must have been a handful for their mother. David, now a conductor after the Grand Trunk takeover of the Great Western continued to be based in Palmerston, would have spent much of his time working the lines across Southern Ontario. Mary, working alone would have spent most of her time trying to wrangle their energetic boys and limit the playing of soldier. However, most likely much to his mother's chagrin, Arthur was able to convince his parents to allow him to sign up with the 29th Infantry Battalion based in London. At age 14 as a Private, Arthur would have quickly learned the basics of drill formations and soldiering in a few short weeks the summer of 1892. It was a perfect introduction to what was to come.
That summer of marching in London obviously didn't change his aspirations, shortly afterwards Arthur signed up for and was accepted into the still young Royal Military College in Kingston. His dreams of climbing the ranks and becoming a famous Field Marshall grew stronger every day. After 4 years of study and rigorous training Arthur graduated and returned home to Palmerston. Alas, in 1896 there were no wars for a young enthusiastic officer to charge off to. The only option was to sign up with the local militia and wait for the call.
Arthur joined the 30th Wellington Rifles and was given the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, with the bold green uniform just like his father 20 years earlier. Life as a militia officer would have been enjoyable, but certainly not fulfilling for someone with high aspirations of military glory. Fortunately for Arthur shortly after graduating from RMC the Empire put a call out for men in khaki. The situation in South Africa had reached its breaking point and soldiers were needed.
The Dominion of Canada while still in its infancy had never sent troops abroad at this point; public pressure for and against the war could have ripped the young nation apart. By compromising and sending 1,000 volunteers who would be paid and transported by the British quelled any social unrest. Arthur, not to miss a beat, quickly gathered his kit and surely with some assistance from his father's influence with the railway, made his way to Quebec City, which was the rallying point for the volunteers being prepared for disembarkation.
Upon arrival in Quebec City, Arthur immediately went to the recruitment centre and proudly stood at attention is his crisp officers uniform, fully expecting a "welcome aboard". Little did he know it wasn't to be; his request was denied and as it was later stated "poor and without influence, he saw no hope of gaining the Field Marshall's baton of which he dreamed except on active service."
While for some that would have squashed their hopes and with hung shoulders returned home to wait for another chance, it did not stop Arthur's ambition. Quietly, with two other officers in the same predicament, Arthur stowed away in the bowels of the S.S. Sardinian, which was to leave on the 30th of October for South Africa with the 2nd Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry (1st Contingent). Unable to join his fellow soldiers on the deck on the Sardinian, surely Arthur could still hear the military bands, cheering crowds and 30 gun salute which sent off the troops on their month long voyage.
On 2nd of November, feeling that they had sailed far enough from land, Arthur took his own life in his hands and came out of hiding. He presented himself to Lieutenant-Colonel Otter, commanding officer of the 1st Canadian Contingent, and in possibly a suicidal yet brash move, quoted regulations. As an officer who did not follow direct orders and deserted his militia unit back in Canada, Arthur presented himself for his court martial and execution by firing squad.
Ultimately his bold move worked, Otter knew it was unacceptable to execute perfectly good trained officers. While officers were already in full supply, it was decided Arthur would be made a Sergeant and accepted into the ranks. Surely walking a bit taller with his brazen accomplishment Sgt. Leith-Ross set himself to dealing with the long arduous sea voyage that became the first test of the 1st Contingent.
Conditions on the Sardinian were cramped to say the least, firsthand accounts mention the lack of any room; men, equipment, and even horses were jammed so tightly most men were only briefly able to leave their hammocks to get a few minutes of fresh air each day. Fresh food was almost non-existent and even the fresh water was in such short supply it had to be guarded. The long voyage finally ended on November 29, 1899, when the Sardinian docked at Cape Town. Boarding trains the next day, the Canadian Contingent began a forty hour trip by rail to Belmont, where they joined the rearguard of the British Army. The contingent remained in Belmont for the next two months, training, battling boredom, and disease.
Initially the Canadian troops were considered unprofessional and ill prepared. The British Command kept the Canadians in menial tasks such as guarding prisoners, rail lines and performing other garrison duties. It wasn't until February of 1900 that finally the Canadians were asked to join with the front line forces. This was a huge relief as the health and well being of the Canadian troops was being called into question, even Lieutenant Colonel Otter remarked about the "villainous water" and lack of medical care for the sick. The war was being fought in a climate the Canadians were un-accustomed to, with vicious sandstorms, brutal heat, and a never ending thirst.
Assigned to the 19th Brigade of Infantry the Canadian Contingent began its long march through rough terrain, marching an average 20 miles a day with 40lbs of kit in ill fitting uniforms and surviving on salt pork and biscuits. After a week the column finally reached the Paardeberg Drift. On February 18th, 1900 the British and Canadian Army began a siege on the Boer Forces which were entrenched on the banks of the Modder River. The Canadians suffered what became the bloodiest day in its military history until the Great War; 18 killed and 60 wounded.
Slowly, but surely the Boers were besieged and worn down, and not until the night of the 26th-27th did the Canadians receive permission to creep up on the trenches with the cover of darkness; coming within 60 yards of the Boer lines and digging in. When the enemy awoke they discovered the Canadian rifles bearing down on them and quickly surrendered. Over 4,000 Boer troops were taken prisoner, which accounted for nearly 10% of their entire army. This was the first major victory for the British and the Canadians were given much of the credit.
Sgt. Leith-Ross was certainly noticed for his devotion to duty and leadership skills because shortly after the Battle of Paardeberg he was commissioned into the Lancashire Fusiliers as a Lieutenant. Now no longer a part of the 1st Canadian Contingent Arthur was on the fast track to that Field Marshall baton he had always dreamt of. Arthur continued to serve with distinction throughout the war and was awarded the Queen's South Africa War Medal with 4 Clasps: Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg and Cape Colony.
Arthur continued to serve as a Lieutenant with the Fusiliers, but kept a close eye out for potential adventure and action. Including volunteering for the Ashanti expedition which became known as the War of the Golden Stool in the Gold Coast and the Aro Expedition of 1901 in Southern Nigeria. At the time the colonial affairs of Great Britain in Africa were keeping their forces busy and there was no lack of potential adventure. Shortly after the Aro Expedition Arthur was seconded by his regiment to join the West African Frontier Force based in Bornu. There Arthur befriended another British Officer Major Upton Fitzherbert Ruxton, who became the catalyst for much of what we know of Arthur today.
Ruxton became a match maker of sorts and suggest Arthur write his sister Sylvia back in England. After months of letters and a blossoming romance, Arthur and Upton returned to England where upon meeting Sylvia in person Arthur proposed marriage. They were married in July of 1907, while the newlyweds celebrated their vows Arthur received a despatch notifying him that he was now appointed to be the Chief Transport Officer in Zungeru of Northern Nigeria. It was here the couple spent their first year of marriage.
It was very rare for a wife to accompany her husband to a place considered dangerous, particularly a place commonly referred to as the "White Man's Grave". Special permission was required from the High Commission, which fortunately for Arthur was Sir Frederick Lugard, who held Arthur and his abilities in very high regard. It was with that approval the newly married Mr. and Mrs. Leith-Ross set out on the 21 day to Zungeru deep in the remote reaches of Nigeria. Sylvia was only the third English woman to enter Nigeria by that time. She perfectly described why Arthur would even dream of serving in such a remote place: "My husband went to Nigeria because pride made him ambitious and humility made him wish to serve."
The journey to Zungeru was uneventful for the most part, Sylvia describes in her book Stepping Stones: Memoires of Colonial Nigeria the changing landscape and the temperate coast of Africa slowly turning into a hot arid climate that most would find difficult to become accustom to. Along with them on the journey they carried everything they would need to live properly for the next year including food and even a small horse drawn "dog cart" for exploring their new home. They both looked forward to the adventure they were embarking on.
Upon arriving in Zungeru the young couple did not have much time to settle in. As Chief Transport Officer Arthur was in charge of developing, building and maintaining a road and railway system within the territory, meaning he spent long stretches of time touring the most remote areas while planning the future transport system that would help "modernize" the area. When the two were together their love continued to flourish.
Sylvia described the joyous times they had entertaining the other officers in their home and taking the dog cart for trips around the country side. Arthur had become an accomplished polo player and she described his love for horses and watching him and the other officers compete 2 or 3 times a week despite the oppressive heat. Their time together was very enjoyable and Sylvia's love for the remote country grew every day.
In August of 1908, Arthur was preparing for another tour to view the newly surveyed road between Bauchi and Loko which would connect some very valuable tin mines. The tour was on hold while the rainy season was coming to an end. With little notice Arthur contracted Blackwater Fever a severe form of malaria and died on the 26th of that month. Sylvia said this:
My husband had had blackwater fever once before and had somehow survived,although he'd been completely alone. The second time it happened in Zungeru; one doesn't know why, it was just an infection, but at the time there was no known cure. He was at once taken to a small hospital and two doctors stayed with him day and night for two days, but he grew weaker and weaker and died within three days.
Of course, death was accepted as part of the day's work, but he had been so much liked that the whole of his colleagues and even the black clerks and the transport boys were all shocked deeply and were, in a way, not so sorry for me as sorry for themselves in that they'd lost a friend and an example. Everybody was kindness itself to me but the only thing to do was for me to go home.
Even Sir Lugard was shocked and dismayed at the news; he wrote of Arthur as "an official of exceptional ability and initiative whose early death was a great loss to the county."
Without the resources to sustain a soldiers widow in Nigeria Sylvia had to return immediately to England. Her love for "Arthur L." as she called him, never waned. She often said she had two loves in her life, Arthur and Nigeria. Sylvia Leith-Ross returned to Nigeria many times in her life and worked diligently in many areas. She became regarded as one of the foremost authorities on Nigerian languages, culture and history, her work and writings are still studied today by scholars.
Sylvia was never able to shake the loss of the love of her life, she worked with friends and family of Arthur to honour his memory in the form of two plaques, each bearing the same inscription, one located in Sylvia's home in Sussex and the other in Arthur's home town of Palmerston. While Arthur Leith-Ross may not have become the Field-Marshall he dreamt of, he certainly was headed there. The accolades and regard many of his peers and superiors had for him were unmatched. Surely he may have made it to that notable rank, but sometimes the life of a promising young soldier can be tragically cut short. He may rest assured with the knowledge that he lived a rich full life of adventure and romance like so many of those fantastic tales of history.