Legard, RH
(1875 - 1915)
Key Facts
DATE OF BIRTH:
29th July 1875
YEARS ATTENDED THE COLLEGE:
1890 - 1892
HOME ADDRESS WHEN AT THE COLLEGE:
7 Eastmearn Road, West Dulwich
REGIMENT
2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry
FINAL RANK:
Captain
DATE OF DEATH:
9th August 1915
AGE AT DEATH:
40
WHERE HE DIED (or was wounded)
Hooge
LOCATION OF GRAVE OR MEMORIAL:
Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial. Panel 57
Captain Ralph Hawksworth Legard
Born 29th June 1875, Ralph was the son of John Hawksworth Legard and his wife, Frances, he had one brother, George, and two older sisters. Before joining the college in 1890, Ralph attended both Bow School in Durham, where his brother would later become Headmaster, and Durham School. He attended for two years before leaving whilst in the Lower 5th. Upon leaving, Ralph devoted all of his time to nursing his sick father in Chiswick. Throughout this time he played rugby frequently, most notably for the Harlequins and Rosslyn Park. However, following his father’s death in March 1906, Ralph joined the Army in the May of that year. By May 1907 he was promoted to Lieutenant of the 4th Battalion Durham Light Infantry and in August 1914 he was made a Captain of the 3rd Battalion.
On the outbreak of war, Ralph was attached to the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry and travelled across to France in the October of 1914. At the Battle of Hooge, Ralph was shot and killed on 9th August 1915. His brother, now also a Captain, arrived and joined the 2nd Battalion a few days after his death. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.
