SWETTENHAM, GEORGE KILNER, Captain,
was born 7 June 1866, son of George Fletcher Swettenham, of South Lodge,
Eastbourne. He was educated at Cheltenham College; entered the Army in
November 1886; was promoted Captain in April 1896. Lieutenant Colonel
Swettenham served in South Africa, 1899-1901. He was present at the actions
at Colenso, Pieter's Hill, Tugela Heights and Monte Cristo; took part in the
Relief of Ladysmith under Sir Redvers Buller; also taking part in the
operations in Cape Colony and in Bechuanaland (Relief of Mafeking). He was
present at the action at Rooidam, under Sir A Hunter; took part in the
operations in the Eastern Transvaal, subsequent to the occupation of
Pretoria; was also present at the actions at Witpoort and Oliphantsfontein.
He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], received
the Medal with six clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished
Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "George Kilner Swettenham,
Captain, Royal Irish Fusiliers. In recognition of services during the
operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29
October 1901. He retired from the Army in November 1906; joined the 3rd
Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers in 1913, as Major, and was appointed to
Command the 5th Battalion
Royal Irish Rifles (Royal South Down Militia) 1 December 1915, becoming
substantive Lieutenant Colonel in April 1917. He was twice mentioned in
Despatches during the European War, and created a CBE. Lieutenant
Colonel Swettenham married, in November 1904, Catherine Anne Eleanor, eldest
daughter of Very Reverend Augustine FitzGerald, Dean of Armagh, and they had
one son, Kilner, born 1 August 1910, and one daughter.
