This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Leslie-Jones, Frederick Archibald CBE played for England Internationals: 2 : 1895 W+ (1T) I+ Archibald Leslie-Jones was born on 9 July 1894 Played as a Centre for: Hereford Cathedral School, Bromsgrove School, Oxford University (Blue 1894-1896), Blackheath, Richmond, Barbarians Profession: Clergyman/schoolmaster at Marlborough College 1897-1904. Principal of Aitchison College Lahore 1904-1917. Principal of Mayo College, Ajmer, India, 1917-1928. Assistant Master Malvern 1928-1931. War service: India Defence Force 1914-1919. Lieutenant Colonel 1st Punjab Rifles; awarded CBE (military). Remarks: Played for Barbarians: v Liverpool (35-0) v Hartlepool Rovers (11-0) in 1897. Various teaching posts, including at Marlborough. Author of A View of English History. He died on 24 January 1946.
Frederick Archibald Leslie-Jones was the son of Dr. Hudson Leslie-Jones, born in Cork Ireland and Laura Katherine Jay, born in Herefordshire England.
The following obituary appeared in the London Times: The death of Mr F A Leslie-jones, C.B.E., at Malvern Link, Worcestershire, on January 24 will be deeply regretted by many, both in this country and in India. In this country he will be remembered as a very popular undergraduate of Lincoln College, Oxford, and for his brilliant performances as a member of the university Rugby football teams of 1894, 1895, and 1896 (in which year he was captain), and as an English international in 1895, when he played against Ireland and Wales. Later, as a master at Marlborough until 1904 and at Malvern from 1928 to 1931, he was distinguished by his extraordinary facility and love for teaching and his power of commanding affection and moulding the character of boys and young men. When in 1904 he went to India to become the prinipal of Aitchison college, Lahore, and in 1917 to take over the Chief's' college at Ajmer, it was this quality which ensured outstanding success for his work. the sons of Indian Princes and of the great families of India found in him the ideal representative of all that is best in the English character, and long after they left his care, they remembered and corresponded with him as a trusted friend and adviser. England could not have wished for a better ambassador in a country where the English have sometimes not been fully appreciated. His public work in India during the 1914-18 war earned him the C.B.E. For some years before his death he served in retirement in Malvern, but his circle of friends increased rather than diminished, for he seldom lost touch with old friends and pupils. Although he was 65 when the recent war broke out, he continued to give good service to the country, and as a special constable, he worked long and arduous hours, rewarded only by the admiration and affection of his new colleagues, until failing health and a tired heart compelled him at last to rest.
