Thomas Leroy

Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Leroy (d.1813) is a fictional American United Empire Loyalist serving as an officer in the British Army in the novels of Bernard Cornwell.

Thomas Leroy was born in Virginia to a relatively prosperous planter family. When the American War of Independence broke out the Leroy's supported the Crown and upon the American victory fled first to Canada and then to Britain. In 1809, Leroy purchased a commission in the South Essex Regiment as a Captain. He was a Company Commander and highly respected by Major Lennox, a career soldier. He was present at the loss of the colours ("Sharpe's Eagle") and was strongly supportive of Sharpe. He was promoted up the ranks under Colonel William Lawford. After the death of Colonel Windham in "Sharpe's Sword", Leroy took command of the South Essex Battalion. In "Sharpe's Honour", he leads the Battalion into battle for the first time at the 1813 Battle of Vittoria, and is killed leading the assault on the village of Gamarra Mayor.

Leroy was the last Commanding Officer of the South Essex Battalion, Bartholomew Girdwood was the next commander as the first Commanding Officer of the Prince of Wales Own Volunteers.

In the Sharpe film series, Leroy was portrayed by Gavan O'Herlihy.