| Fitzgerald | Percy Desmond | | Lieutenant | FITZGERALD, PERCY DESMOND, Lieutenant, was born 18 April, 1873, son of the Honourable N Fitzgerald, of County Galway, Ireland, and of Moira, St Kilda, Australia, and of Marian, daughter of Sir John O'Shanassy. He was educated at Oscott Roman Catholic College; joined the Royal Kent Regiment as Second Lieutenant, from Local Military Forces, Victoria, 23 December 1893, and the 11th Hussars 24 January 1894; was made Lieutenant, 11th Hussars, 20 November 1897; served in South Africa, 1899-1900, as Intelligence Officer, graded DAAG; as Adjutant, Imperial Light Horse, from 22 October 1899, to 15 March, 1900; during operations in Natal, 1899, including actions at Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop; took part in the Defence of Ladysmith, including sortie of 7 December 1899, and action of 6 January 1900, afterwards on the Staff; during operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); during operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8 September); during operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; was mentioned in Despatches (Sir G S White, 2 December 1899, and 23 March, 1900; Sir R H Buller, 9 November 1900 [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]). He received the Queen's Medal and four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Percy Desmond Fitzgerald, Lieutenant 11th Hussars. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia was sent to South Africa, forwarded to Egypt, and presented in Egypt 29 November 1901. He was appointed Adjutant, 11th Hussars, 6 May 1902 to 10 December 1903; became Captain, 11th Hussars, 12 November 1904; Major, 23 December 1908; promoted Brigade Major, 1st Cavalry Brigade, Aldershot Command, 16 April 1909 to 15 April 1913; GSO3, War Office, 1 April 1914 to 13 September 1914; GSO2, 2nd Mounted Division, Central Force, Home Defence, 14 September 1914 to 1 February 1915; GSO2, 1st Cavalry Division, British Expeditionary Force, 8 February 1915 to 3 May 1915; GSO1, 2nd Cavalry Division, British Armies in France, 4 May 1915 to 8 August 1916; Inspector of Mounted Troops, Egypt (Temporary Brigadier General) 19 August 1916 to 9 April, 1917; Brigade-Commander, 5th Mounted Brigade, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, 10 April 1917 to 3 December 1917; Brigade-Commander, 22nd Mounted Brigade, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, 4 December 1917 to 7 April 1918. He was mentioned in Despatches; made an Officer of the Legion of Honour; given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1917. He married, in 1917, Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland.
DSO, QSA (4) DofL OFS L-N Belf (Lt 11/Hus), 1914-15 Star (Maj), BWM, Victory Medal with MID (Brig-Gen), 1935 Jubilee, Legion dHonneur (France) 4th Class, Order of the Star (Rumania) 3rd Class with swords. Spinks 1974 £300.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars |
