| Geddes | Robert James | | Major | GEDDES, ROBERT JAMES, Major, MB, was born 13 August 1858, son of James Geddes, Solicitor, Dumfries. He entered the Army in 1884; served in the Burmese Expedition, 1886-89 (Medal with two clasps); in the Chin-Lushai Expedition, 1889-90 (clasp). He became Major, RAMC, 2 February 1896, and took part in the operations in Mekran, 1898. Major Geddes served in the South African War, 1899-1902; Relief of Kimberley; operations in Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg 17 to 26 February; action at Driefontein; operations in the Transvaal in June, 1900; operations in the Transvaal, east, of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received 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, 27 September 1901]: "Robert James Geddes, Major, Royal Army Medical Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to Lord Roberts in South Africa, and presented by Major General G Barton in South Africa. He became Lieutenant Colonel 2 February 1904, and Colonel 5 February 1913. Colonel Geddes served in the European War, 1914-17, as DDMS; was twice mentioned in Despatches, and created a CB. He retired 26 December 1917. Colonel Geddes married, in 1907, Christina Gowans, daughter of J G Whyte, of Helensburgh.
CB, DSO, OStJ, ISG (3), QSA (4), KSA (2), 1914 Star and Bar, BWM, VM & MID, 1911 Coronation. Miniatures only, eBay Dec 07.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Army Medical Corps |
