| Tullibardine, Marquis of | | | Lieutenant | TULLIBARDINE, THE MARQUIS OF (DUKE OF ATHOLL), Lieutenant, was born 15 December 1871, son of the 7th Duke of Atholl (who died in 1917) and Louisa (who died in 1902), daughter of Sir Thomas Moncrieffe, 7th Baronet. He was educated at Eton; was Lieutenant, 3rd Battalion Black Watch, 1890-91; joined the Royal Horse Guards 28 December 1892, as Second Lieutenant, from the Militia, and became Lieutenant 30 December 1893; was specially employed with the Egyptian Army 18 January 1898 to 26 September 1898. He served with the Egyptian Cavalry as Staff Captain to Colonel Birdwood; was present at the reconnaissance of Atbara, and at the Battles of Atbara and Khartoum; received the Medal and two clasps; was mentioned in Despatches twice (24 May and 30 September 1898), and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "John George, Marquis of Tullibardine, Lieutenant, Royal Horse Guards. In recognition of services in Egypt and the Sudan, including the Battles of Atbara and Khartoum". The Insignia were presented to him by the Queen at Windsor 1 December 1898. Lord Tullibardine became Captain 20 November 1899. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, on the Staff, attached to the Royal Dragoons, and was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including operations at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5-7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights 14 to 27 February 1900, and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in Natal, March to June 1900; afterwards as Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the 1st and 2nd Scottish Horse. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902; was given the Brevet of Major 20 November 1900, and received the Queen's Medal with three clasps. In the European War Lord Tullibardine commanded the Scottish Horse Mounted Brigade, Home Defence; 1st Dismounted Brigade, Gallipoli and Egypt, 15 August 1914 to 26 October 1916, and was Brigade-Commander, 10th Cyclist Brigade, Home Forces, from 12 June 1917. He was mentioned in Despatches for Gallipoli and Egypt; created a CB; received the Serbian Order of the White Eagle of Serbia, with crossed swords, Third Class. His brother, Lord George Stewart Murray, Major, Black Watch, was killed in action in 1914. His other brother, Lord James Thomas Stewart Murray, was a prisoner of war in Germany. In a letter to the 'Morning Post', appealing for more recruits, Lord Tullibardine said: "With regard to the district of Atholl—the district I know best—there may still be a few men left, but I think not many. I can only say that if there are any on my estate they can trust that their dependents will be looked after while they are away, that their places will be kept open for them". He succeeded his father in 1917 as 8th Duke of Atholl. From 1910 to 1917 he was MP (U) for West Perthshire; he was DL, and has been created an MVO. "The Duke of Atholl has been described as a Highlander of the Highlanders, and he is a true Scotsman in his amusements—shoots, fishes and plays the national game of curling". The Duke of Atholl married, in 1899, Katharine Marjory, OBE, daughter of Sir James Ramsay, 10th Baronet, of Banff.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Horse Guards |
