SMYTH, ROBERT NAPIER, Brevet Major,
was born 26 June 1868, son of General J H Smyth, CB, of Frimhurst. He was
educated at Wellington, and joined the 21st Hussars 12 February 1890, as
Second Lieutenant, becoming Lieutenant, 21st Lancers, 6 November 1892. He
served with the Nile Expedition, 1898; was present at the Battle of
Khartoum, and was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 30 September
1898], receiving the Medal and the Egyptian Medal and clasp. He was ADC to
the GOC, Scottish District, 12 August 1896 to 20 January 1898, and was
promoted to Captain 9 October 1899. Captain Smyth served in the South
African War, 1899-1902, as DAAG (Intelligence), South Africa, 13 November
1900 to 2 October 1902. He was present at the Relief of Ladysmith,
including the action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and
action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal
Kranz; during the operations on Tugela Heights (17 to 26 February) and
action at Pieter's Hill; in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at
Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29
November 1900, including actions at Ileit Vlei, Belfast (26 and 27 August),
Lydenberg (5 to 8 September) and Rhenoster Kop; again in the Transvaal and
Orange River Colony 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in
Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901 (Sir R H Buller, 30 March and 9
November 1900), and London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902].
He was given the Brevet of Major 29 November 1900; the Queen's Medal with
four clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion
of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]:
"Robert Napier Smyth, Captain and Brevet Major, 21st Lancers. In
recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was
employed with the South African Constabulary 20 December 1902 to 28 February
1905; became Major 9 December 1905; Lieutenant Colonel 7 September 1910, and
Colonel 16 December 1913. He served in the European War, as GSO2, 2nd
Cavalry Division, British Expeditionary Force, 19 September to 9 October
1914; was GSO2, GHQ, BEF, 10 October 1914 to 4 January 1915; Commanded the
North Midland Reserve Mounted Brigade, Home Forces, 12 January 1915 to 10
January 1917; commanded a Brigade 11 January 1917 to 21 March 1919;
commanded the 7th Cyclist Brigade, Forces in Great Britain, 26 May 1919. He
was created a CBE in 1919.
