| Smyth | Robert Napier | | Captain | 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.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 21st Lancers |
