Leon Denny
1877 - 1915
The second son of William Denny, a shipbuilder, and Lelia Mathilda, Leon was born in Dumbarton, Scotland, in 1877, and was educated at Clifton College from September 1888 to December 1894.
The second son of William Denny, a shipbuilder, and Lelia Mathilda, Leon was born in Dumbarton, Scotland, in 1877, and was educated at Clifton College from September 1888 to December 1894.
Moving south, Leon lived at 7, Wellbeck House, Wigmore Street, and became an Underwriting Member of Lloyd's. He was also a member of the Cavalry Club in Piccadilly.
Moving south, Leon lived at 7, Wellbeck House, Wigmore Street, and became an Underwriting Member of Lloyd's. He was also a member of the Cavalry Club in Piccadilly.
He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment (Militia) on 10 February 1897 and transferred to the 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards on 4 January 1899.
He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment (Militia) on 10 February 1897 and transferred to the 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards on 4 January 1899.
Leon served in South Africa, where he was wounded on 29th March, 1901, at Ventersburg. He was awarded the Queen's Medal with five clasps.
Leon served in South Africa, where he was wounded on 29th March, 1901, at Ventersburg. He was awarded the Queen's Medal with five clasps.
On 18th July, 1901, he was seconded for service with the Staff.
On 18th July, 1901, he was seconded for service with the Staff.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on 3rd September, 1902, and to Captain on 5th 1905. He resigned his commission on 21st April, 1906, and moved to the Reserve of Officers.
He was promoted to Lieutenant on 3rd September, 1902, and to Captain on 5th 1905. He resigned his commission on 21st April, 1906, and moved to the Reserve of Officers.
Leon Denny was an excellent amateur jockey.
Leon Denny was an excellent amateur jockey.
Riding Royal Blaze at Sandown Park on Friday, 2 March, 1906, he won the Grand Military Gold, and many present that afternoon cited it his greatest victory.
Riding Royal Blaze at Sandown Park on Friday, 2 March, 1906, he won the Grand Military Gold, and many present that afternoon cited it his greatest victory.
In the tightest of finishes, he beat Prince Talleyrand – the mount of Captain de Crespigny – by a short head with Prizeman, ridden by his owner Captain Cradock, the same distance away in third.
In the tightest of finishes, he beat Prince Talleyrand – the mount of Captain de Crespigny – by a short head with Prizeman, ridden by his owner Captain Cradock, the same distance away in third.
It was a particularly note-worthy ride from the veteran Captain Cradock, who had ridden in a few pony races in India but had never until this occasion sported silk in England.
It was a particularly note-worthy ride from the veteran Captain Cradock, who had ridden in a few pony races in India but had never until this occasion sported silk in England.
The unlucky rider of the race was Captain Rasbotham, who had elected to ride an incorrigible brute named St Medoc over the winner.
The unlucky rider of the race was Captain Rasbotham, who had elected to ride an incorrigible brute named St Medoc over the winner.
At this time Leon was living at 20, Ladbroke Gardens, in Kensington, London.
At this time Leon was living at 20, Ladbroke Gardens, in Kensington, London.
Following the outbreak of war, he was mobilized and appointed to the rank of Captain on 29th August, 1914. He was posted to France on 23rd October, 1914.
Following the outbreak of war, he was mobilized and appointed to the rank of Captain on 29th August, 1914. He was posted to France on 23rd October, 1914.
Leon Sarena Denny, aged 38, was killed in action at Flanders, Robecq, Nord Pas-de-Calais, France, on 13th May, 1915.
Leon Sarena Denny, aged 38, was killed in action at Flanders, Robecq, Nord Pas-de-Calais, France, on 13th May, 1915.
He left £260,141 3s. 3d.
He left £260,141 3s. 3d.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at St Augustine's Episcopal Church in Dumbarton.
He is commemorated on the war memorial at St Augustine's Episcopal Church in Dumbarton.
Leon's older brother, Captain Peter Robert Denny, 1st King's Dragoon Guards attached to 11th Hussars, was killed in action at Grootfontein, South Africa on 24th April, 1900.
Leon's older brother, Captain Peter Robert Denny, 1st King's Dragoon Guards attached to 11th Hussars, was killed in action at Grootfontein, South Africa on 24th April, 1900.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate.
He is commemorated on the Menin Gate.
Their mother Lelia died in June 1915.
Their mother Lelia died in June 1915.