Captain Thomas Leroy
The American · Sharpe’s Most Unlikely Ally
Who Is Leroy?
Thomas Leroy is an American fighting for the British Crown. From a Boston Loyalist family who left America after the Revolution, he joined the British army and ended up in the South Essex. He describes himself with characteristically dry wit as an American with a French name from a Loyalist family fighting for an English king of German descent. Silent, watchful, invariably with a cigar in his mouth, he is one of the most quietly compelling characters in the series.
His Character
Dry wit, complete reliability in a fight, no patience for incompetence. Leroy and Sharpe respect each other without ever becoming close friends in the way Sharpe and Harper are. There is a distance between them, not unfriendly but real: two outsiders who recognise each other’s quality without needing to declare it. Leroy’s American origins make him an outsider in the British army in a way that parallels Sharpe’s class isolation.
Career Progression
His Death
Leroy is killed at the Battle of Vitoria leading his men on foot into the village of Gamarra Mayor. Shot in the head. He dies in his first battle as Battalion Commander. It is one of the most quietly devastating deaths in the entire series: a man who waited years for command, who was passed over repeatedly while lesser men were promoted, who finally got what he deserved only to be killed on the day he proved he deserved it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leroy in Sharpe?
An American-born officer in the South Essex from a Boston Loyalist family. Silent, watchful, invariably with a cigar.
How does Leroy die?
Killed at Vitoria leading his men on foot into Gamarra Mayor. Shot in the head in his first battle as Battalion Commander.
What nationality is Leroy in Sharpe?
American. His Loyalist family left the United States after the Revolution.