GORDON, FREDERICK, Major The Honourable, was born 9 October 1861, son of
Edward Strathearn, Baron Gordon of Druinearn, and of his wife, Agnes Joanna,
Baroness Gordon of Druinearn. He was educated at Edinburgh Academy, and the
Royal Military College, Sandhurst; joined the Army 22 January 1881, serving in
the 49th Regiment from January to October 1881, as Subaltern; became
Lieutenant 1 July 1881. He served in the Gordon Highlanders from 14 September
1881 to August 1911. He took part in the Egyptian Campaign of 1882-84, being
present at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir (Medal with clasp; Bronze Star). In the
Sudan in 1884 he was present at the battles of El Teb and Tamai (two clasps).
He again served in the Sudan in 1889; was present at the action of Toski, and
received a clasp, having been employed with the Egyptian Army from 1 July 1889
to 17 August 1889. He was promoted to Captain 1 November 1890; was Brigade Major, Malta, 12
August 1896 to 8 October 1899; became Major 22 October 1899. He served in the
South African War, 1899-1902, as DAAG (Intelligence), 9 October 1899, to 6
November 1899, and DAAG 7 November 1899 to 11 September 1902. From October
1899 to October 1900, he was with Sir Redvers Buller's Force and from October
1900 to June, 1902, he was DAAG, Headquarters, South Africa. He was present
at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the operations of 17 to 24 January 1900;
operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on
Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill.
Operations in Natal (March to June, 1900), including action at Laing's Nek (6
to 9 June). Operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29
November 1900, including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg
(5 to 8 September). Operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May
1902. He was mentioned in Despatches by Sir R H Buller, 30 March, 19 June and
9 November 1900 [London Gazette 8 February 1901, and 29 July 1902]. He
was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19
April, 1901: "Frederick Gordon, Major, Gordon Highlanders. For services
during the recent operations in South Africa”. He was given the Brevet
of Lieutenant Colonel, 22 August 1902. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
9 January 1903, and commanded the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders from
January 1908, to August 1911. He became Colonel 30 August 1911; was GSO, 1st
Grade, to the 2nd Division, Aldershot Command, 10 August 1911 to 4 August
1914. On the outbreak of the European War he accompanied the Division to
France (GSO, 1st Grade, 5 August 1914 to 4 September 1914). On 5 September
1914, he was appointed Temporary Brigadier General, and to command the 18th
Infantry Brigade in the field. He was promoted Major General 3 June 1915, for
distinguished service in the field, and was appointed to command a division of
New Armies 17 June 1915, and in the same year was created a CB. In 1917
he was created a KCB, having been mentioned in Despatches five times from 1914
to 1917. Sir Frederick Gordon received the Serbian Order of the White Eagle,
2nd Class with Swords, in 1917. He married Mabel Rose, daughter of James
Douglas Robinson, Madras Civil Service, and Mrs Robinson, and they had
one son and one daughter.
