The generous and unselfish assistance of many people in the Soutpansberg and in Canada spurred author Charles Leach on to complete the publishing of his first book ...of a lion and Eagle.

The book was launched on March 31 at a function hosted in the humorous and relaxed style of the author, with around 140 guests attending. Probably every one of the guests felt as much part of this endeavour, caught up in the enthusiasm of Leach. The author was always telling everyone of the latest clue that someone locally or overseas had provided to aid him in unravelling the story of Constable Charles William Eagle.

During his speech, Charles typically acknowledged everyone’s contribution.

"This little book adds a drop in the bucket of tourism," Leach said. It is contemplated that the publishing of the book on the story of a Canadian Indian who came to South Africa with the fifth Canadian Mounted Rifles and died locally from wounds sustained by an encounter with a lion, would draw tourists nationally as well as from Canada. The same happened when Leach started investigating the story of Breaker Morant and the Bushveldt Carbineers, an Australian regiment in the Anglo Boer War. The very popular Zoutpansberg Skirmishes Route originated and tourists from the country and also from Australia flocked to the region.

Prof Louis Changuion, internationally recognized historian, said at the launch that he personally used to be the local authority on Breaker Morant until he had stirred up Leach.

"After a few years, the pupil surpassed the teacher. He now knows more on that topic than I do. I encouraged him to write it down. He pushed that book aside first to complete the book on William Eagle. This is his first book but for sure not his last," Prof Changuion said.

…of a lion and Eagle is richly illustrated.

"Many of the illustrations have never been published before and, together with the text, create a wonderful picture of the Limpopo Valley, Musina and the Zoutpansberg as it was in the period when Constable Billy Eagle played out the last days of his life," writes Laura van Zyl who did the layout and design of the book and the cover. Van Zyl is one of the more than 20 people that Leach gratefully acknowledged at the launch. Others provided valuable information and support. Amazingly, even the rifle that Billy Eagle probably used in his encounter with the lion, was discovered.

Van Zyl captured the essence of how the book developed when she said, "Charles Leach would recount this enthralling story during his Zoutpansberg Skirmishes Tours to captivated audiences. His enthusiasm bubbled over and soon information and photos were rolling in from far and wide. Charles has artfully created a fascinating story with all the elements of intrigue, history and mystery ... a story which will appeal to both historians and those who simply enjoy a good read."