Anglo Boer War

Surname

Forename

Rank

Notes

Unit

Kekewich

R G

Colonel

1st Battalion
Source: QSA roll

Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Kekewich

R G

Lieutenant Colonel

Robert George Kekewich was born on the 17 Jun 1854, the second son of Trehawke Kekewich of Peamore in Devon. Educated at Marlborough, he entered the army through the militia in 1874. His first campaign service was with the Perak expedition of 1875-6 where he was awarded the medal and clasp. His second war service was with the Soudan expedition of 1888 as DAAG and QMG of British troops. Took part in the action at Gemaizah and was MID, LG 11 Jan 1889. Awarded the medal and two clasps and the 4th class of the Medjidie. During the South African War he served in command of the 1st Batt the Loyal North Lancs Regt to Dec 00 and as commander Griqualand West and Bechuanaland. In command of a mobile column from Dec 00 to Jan 01 and from Jul 01 to Jan 02 and afterwards in command of a group of mobile columns from Feb 02 to the end of hostilities. He was severely wounded at Moedwil on the 30 Sep 1900. He was MID thrice LG 8 May 00, 3 Dec 01 and 29 Jul 02. Granted Brevet of Colonel, promoted Major General for distinguished service. Queen's medal with 3 claps, King's medal with 2, CB. The ‘Times' of 6 November 1914 recorded, ‘Major General R G Kekewich was found dead yesterday morning at his residence at Whimple, near Exeter with a gunshot in the head. He was recently invalided from Salisbury Plain where he was in command of a division. His title to fame was his successful defence of Kimberley during the South African War. The ‘Times' of 7 November 1914: The late General Kekewich. The Major, Coucillors and Citizens of Kimberley South Africa yesterday passed a resolution recalling ‘with deepest gratitude their immense obligations to Major General Kekewich and sincerely deplored his death'. At the inquest in Whimple Devon yesterday it was stated he suffered from suppressed gout, insomnia and an unsatisfactory state of the heart. He worried over being unable to serve his country and great waves of depression overcame him. The verdict ‘suicide whilst temporarily insane' was returned. The funeral will take place at Exminster on Monday. Funerals, The ‘Times' 10 November 1914 (page 11e): The Funeral of Major General Kekewich took place with military honours yesterday at St Martin's Church Exminster, south Devon. Amongst those who sent wreaths were the citizens of Kimberley, and HM the King of Denmark. Messages of condolence were received from the Earl Kitchener, Sir Robert and Lady Baden-Powell and Sir Archibald Hunter.
Miniatures only DNW Apr 03 £630.
Source: List of CB recipients. Various sources

Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Kekewich

R G

Colonel

Severely wounded. Moedwil, 30 September 1901
1st Battalion.
Source: South African Field Force Casualty Roll

Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Kekewich

Robert George

Col

QSA known to exist. QSA (3)
Source: List of QSAs with the clasp Defence of Kimberley

Loyal North Lancashire Regiment

Kekoe