A title for a man who spent his life owning and running Coal mines in NW England. He was also MP for West Salford.
He was appointed Honorary Colonel of the 3rd Volunteer Batallion - The Lancashire Fusiliers in 1899.
War broke out in South Africa later that year and Lees is known to have encouraged the formation of the "Volunteers Active Service Companies" to support the regular Lancashire Fusiliers Batallion in SA.
In addition to this he lead the setting up of a compassionate fund to assist returning servicemen and their families.
The fund still exists today and is known as " Fusiliers Aid Society"
After the conclusion of the Boer War in SA he sought official recognition for the Lancashire Fusiliers
and because of his friendship with King Edward VII it was successful.
The Fusiliers were honoured with a Primrose Hackle to be worn on the left side of head dress as a Battle Honour.
The motto of the Regiment is " Omnia Audax" ( Audacious in Everything) also now includes the right to wear the Red rose of Lancaster on its regiments colours and on monuments to this brave and fearsome regiment of men.
Sir Lees was indeed an honourary man who ensured the world said thank you in the best way possible - with Battle Honours........
Mandy on a frozen pond at sunset. This evening we decided to get some skates. One good thing about the cold weather here is lots of places to ice skate.
