Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Hon. J. H. Gordon, M.L.C, Attorney General.

The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA: 1889 - 1931) Monday 18 April 1904

DEATH OF LIEUTENANT GORDON.

SON OF MR. JUSTICE GORDON.

We announce with extreme regret the death of Lieutenant Leonard W. J. Gordon, eldest son of Mr. Justice Gordon, which occurred on Saturday morning at his father's residence, Glen Osmond, after a long and serious illness, caused by exposure while on active service during the South African war.

Lieutenant Gordon, who was educated at Queen's School, went to the Transvaal with the Second South Australian Contingent, under Lieutenant - Colonel C. J. Reade, C.B., and shortly afterwards (on May 19, 1900) he received a commission as second lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment, then commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Wentworth, being promoted on October 23, 1901, to the rank of lieutenant. Lieutenant Gordon broke his leg while on duty, and in consequence he was given four months' sick leave, part of which he spent with his parents in Adelaide, arriving in this city on Sunday, August 10, 1902, by way   of Melbourne. He returned to South Africa at the end of his leave and served throughout the remainder of the war. He was present at the action of Thabanchu, in charge of a half-company of the Bedford- shire Regiment, who were acting as mounted infantry, and was wounded when General De Wet made his famous dash through the lines of the British "drive," and so escaped capture. Mr. Gordon showed great courage and resource as a soldier, and besides the Queen's medal and other decorations for work in the field he, won the encomiums of his officers and the respect of his comrades.

Immediately after the war was over Lieutenant Gordon went to England to complete his military education. There he contracted lung troubles, the foundation of the mischief being due to exposure and hardship experienced on the veldt during the campaign in South Africa. He remained for some weeks m hospital in a most critical condition, so that it was feared for a time that he would not be able to stand the fatigue consequent upon his removal to Adelaide. However, his strength was so far restored that he was able to take the voyage under the charge of a trained nurse, and he arrived in the city of his birth some months ago. Since then his health has been most unsatisfactory, and although at times hopes of his ultimate recovery were entertained, he gradually sank and passed away, as stated, on Saturday morning. 

The very greatest sympathy is everywhere felt for Mr. Justice Gordon and with his wife and family in their heavy bereavement. Lieutenant Gordon was a fine young man and a most promising officer, and although his life was short he showed during his career in the army that he possessed   all the essentials for makings a good soldier and a capable officer. When he volunteered for service Mr. Gordon was strong and vigorous and in the best of health.

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