Ralph B Leslie, Civil Surgeon Doctor

ROLPH LESLIE, M.A., M.D.TORONTO.
THE numerous friends of Dr. Rolph Leslie will learn with sincere regret the news of his most unexpected death, which took place on the steamship Orient whilst cruising in the West Indian Islands. After graduating at Toronto University in the year 1876, Dr. Leslie left his home in Canada and came to London, where he subsequently made headquarters. On the outbreak of the Turco-Servian war in 1876 he volunteered for service, and went through both that and the subsequent Russo-Turkish war (1877-78). Shortly after returning to England on the outbreak of the Zulu war, he was appointed Civil Surgeon, and went to South Africa, where he remained until the close of the campaign. After a year or two spent in Trinidad, he received an appointment from the International African Association, and spent three years (1883-86) on the Lower Congo whilst it was being opened up by Stanley, and organised by Sir F. De Winton. On his return he published Hints to Travellers in the Tropics, embodying his experience of the more severe forms of African fevers. Subsequently his time was spent for the most part in traveling with patients in search of health, and it was whilst engaged in a trip of this kind that he met with his untimely death. Besides numerous testimonials of a private character, Dr. Leslie received, in recognition of his services, the Russo-Turkish and Zulu war medals, the Order of the Medjidie, the Order of Leopold, and the Congo Star.

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Otago Witness, 12 April 1894

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"Group of five to Surgeon R.B.Lesslie,

South Africa 1877-79, one bar, 1879 (Civil Surgn R.B.Lesslie.); Turkey, Russo-Turkish 1878 War Medal; Turkey, Order of Medjidieh, fourth class breast badge; Belgium, Order of Leopold, Knight's breast badge in silver-gilt, silver and enamel; Congo, Service Star & Silver Clasp"


"Dr Rolph B.Leslie graduated from Toronto University in 1876, with M.A. and M.D., later L.R.C.P. 1879; F.R.G.S.. On leaving Canada he volunteered for service in the Turkish Army and received an appointment as Surgeon-Major. He served in the Turko-Servian War, and later (1877-78) throughout the Russo-Turkish War. After hostilities ceased he was placed in charge of a hospital in Constantinople during the epidemic of small-pox. Shortly after his return to England he was appointed Civil Surgeon in connection with the British force in South Africa, and remained there until the close of the Zulu war. He then spent a year or so in Trinidad. In 1883 he accepted a position offered by the International African Association , and spent upwards of three years on the Lower Congo, where he served under Sir Francis De Winton, who was at that time administrator. He was decorated with the Order of Leopold in 1886 for his services in the Congo. On his return he published "Hints to Travellers in the Tropics" embodying his experiences of the more severe and fatal Aafrican fevers. In later years his time was spent for the most part in travelling with patients in search of health, and it was whilst engaged in a trip of of this kind he met with his untimely death. He died in Dominica on the 20th September 1893."

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Graphic 10 February 1894