Leeman, Reginald Thackeray

Captain Reginald Thackeray Leeman

was born at Cathedral Close, Armagh on 7th November 1887 to Hans Garmany Leeman, Draper and Catherine Elizabeth Leeman nee Thackeray. They had married on 8th April 1885 at Armagh Church of Ireland Cathedral.

In 1901 Leeman (13) lived in house 27, The Mall, Armagh with his parents and 2 siblings; Percy G (14), May M (6). An aunt, Georgina Thackeray was also present along with a servant, Mary Coyle. 

Leeman would have joined the Belfast Banking Company around 1905. His father signed the Bankers Guarantee for him. His address is recorded as 6 Hartford Place, Armagh.

R T Leeman - Bankers Guarantee ledger

Leeman is recorded as working in Letterkenny branch and also have worked in Warrenpoint branch (1915 news article re golf).

Belfast Bank, Letterkenny branch

Belfast Bank, Warrenpoint branch

Leeman was a keen rugby player and in 1910 he played Inter-Provincial Rugby (serving in the BBCo Bangor branch). This was a report in the North Down Herald and County Down Independent - Friday 21 January 1910.

Belfast Bank, Bangor branch

By 1911 the family property was described as house 50, The Mall, Armagh. Along with the parents were May (16), Thomas Oswald (9) and a servant, Liemer McKenna.

In the same year, Leeman was boarding with the Chesnut family in house 15, New Row, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry. He is described as a Bank Clerk. He may have worked in the Coleraine branch.

Belfast Bank, Coleraine branch

Leeman volunteered and enlisted into the Army Service Corps in 1915. He served with the Army Service Corps (31st Division) and attained the rank of Captain. 

His first theatre of war is recorded as 'Egyptian' from December 1915.

R T Leeman - Medal Index Card

Address recorded as 3 Victoria Street, Armagh

The Northern Whig of 12th February 1916 reported on Leeman and his elder brother, Percival:

The Millom Gazette reported on 12th October 1916 about Percival Leeman:

Following demobilisation, Leeman was awarded the 14/15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Star. 

R T Leeman - Medal Roll 1

R T Leeman - Medal Roll 2

A Pension Record card also exists:

R T Leeman - Pension Card

The Belfast News-Letter of 4th April 1919 reported on the awarding of the Military Cross (MC) to Capt. Percival Leeman.

Reginald Thackeray Leeman, 60 Bryansburn Road, Bangor, Co. Down, retired manufacturers agent died 16th March 1964. Probate Belfast 25th May to Annie Alice Louise Leeman the widow. Effects £3980 13s.