DLI Objects

Light Infantry Officer's 1803 Pattern Sword, 68th Light Infantry, 1804-1814. This sword has a curved steel blade, gilt brass hilt (handle) with the grip made of fishskin. The sword's scabbard is made from black leather with gilt brass mounts (fittings). This sword belonged to James Urquhart Murray Leith who was born in Scotland in 1785 and joined the 68th Regiment as an Ensign in 1804. Captain Leith fought with the 68th Light Infantry in the Peninsular War and was killed in action at the Battle of Oeyreguave on 23 February 1814. For further reading, 'Faithful: The Story of The Durham Light Infantry' by S G P Ward (1962) has a detailed chapter on the 68th Light Infantry in the Peninsular War. Acc No: 674