RICHEY, GEORGE HENRY MILLS, Captain,
was born at Woolwich 18 May 1867, son of Captain William Mills Richey, RA, City
Marshal of London, and Eliza Louise, daughter of Alexander Luke, of Carsluke,
Scotland. He served as a volunteer in Methuen's Horse, in the
Bechuanaland Expedition, 1884-85; was in the 12th Royal Lancers in 1886, and
the 2nd Dragoon Guards. He entered the Colonial Service in 1895,
and went through the Matabele War of 1896, and the Mashona Campaign of
1897-98, and received the General Service South African Medal and clasp. He
served in the South African War, 1899-1902, part of the time as Adjutant of
Kitchener's Horse. During part of the South African War he was Chief of
Police, Krugersdorp District, in 1900, and later on Staff Officer to Dean's
Column, operating in the Cape Colony towards the end of the war. He served
under Ian Hamilton in his march to Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Army List
says that he took part in "the Relief of Kimberley. Operations in the
Orange Free State, February, including operations at Paardeberg, and action
at Driefontein. Operations in the Transvaal, including action near
Johannesburg". He was wounded at Waterval Drift in 1900, and at Houtnek in
1900. He was mentioned three times in Despatches; recommended for the
Victoria Cross, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order
[London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "George Henry Mills Richey, Captain,
Kitchener's Horse. In recognition of services during the operations in
South Africa". The decoration was awarded "For gallantry in the field, and
devotion to duty and good work". The following is an extract from a letter
written by Lieutenant Colonel Norton Legge, 20th Hussars, Commanding
Kitchener's Horse, dated Pretoria, 10 August 1900: "Captain George Richey
served in the regiment under my command— first as a subaltern and afterwards
as my Adjutant, for which position I selected him on the promotion of Major
Congreve, VC, and I have had many opportunities of noticing his exceptional
ability. He was promoted Captain by request of General Broadwood, CB,
Commanding 2nd Cavalry Brigade, for a clever reconnaissance of the Boer
position at Poplar Grove. He got by himself to within 800 yards of their
main position, and succeeded in sketching it and locating their guns. For
this service (which had important results) Lord Roberts personally
complimented him. As my Adjutant he was ever ready for work, and he carried
out his arduous duties to my entire satisfaction". Major George Cookson,
16th Lancers, Commanding Kitchener's Horse, wrote: "Captain G H M Richey was
Adjutant of Kitchener's Horse, and was all through the fighting under
General Ian Hamilton, with his Winburg Column; on three different occasions
his name was sent in for gallant conduct in the field; on one occasion, when
with an officer's patrol, he gave up his horse to a trooper who had had a
fall and lost his own horse, and walked back under fire on foot". From
Major General H J M MacAndrew, CB, DSO: "Captain G H M Richey served under
me as a troop leader in D Squadron, Kitchener's Horse, for about, one month,
and until he was promoted to the appointment of Adjutant of the regiment.
During the time Captain Richey served under me I had the pleasure of
bringing his gallant conduct, in action to the notice of the Commanding
Officer on three separate occasions, and I believe his services have been
brought to the notice of His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief". He was
subsequently promoted to Major. During the early part of the European War
he was Second-in-Command of the 23rd Royal Fusiliers (1st Sportsman's),
under Viscount Maitland. Lieutenant Colonel G H M Richey later commanded
the 4th East Lancashire Regiment, British Expeditionary Force. He won many
prizes in India for skill at arms. At Rawal Pindi in 1892 he won five first
prizes, and two second at the Punjab Assault-at-Arms. He won the
tent-pegging after 14 runs, four of which were at the peg sideways. All the
pegs were 'taken'.
