Historical information

Lieutenant Leslie Maygar served with the 5th Contingent Victorian Mounted Rifles in south Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902). He was awarded the Victoria cross for heroism . Maygar served with the 15th Light Horse (CMF) in the period 1902-1914 and at the outbreak of WWI (1914-1918) he was promoted to Major and appointed as a Squadron Commander with 4th Light Horse (AIF). He served at Gallipoli then was promoted Lieutenant Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer 8th Light Horse. He was serving in this capacity at Beersheba in October 1917 when the regiment was attacked by enemy aircraft. Maygar died of wounds sustained in the attack.

Significance

Fine photograph of officer of the Victorian Mounted Rifles in the period immediately following the Boer War. Leslie Maygar was a native of the Euroa district and a geographic feature and a winery have been named in his honour.

Physical description

Framed black and white photograph of Lieutenant Leslie Maygar VC in Victorian Mounted Rifles uniform following his return from South Africa 1902. He is wearing his Victoria Cross and Queen's South African medal with three bars: Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony..

Inscriptions & markings

Engraved panel at lower centre frame "Lt L C Maygar VC 5VMR / Date of Award 23-11.01"