Baird | Henry Hume Chisholm | | Lieutenant | BAIRD, HENRY HUME CHISHOLM, Lieutenant, was born 13 April, 1878, son of Alexander Baird. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and was gazetted to the East Kent Regiment, as Second Lieutenant, 8 September 1897, becoming Lieutenant 11 October 1899. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902; as Brigade Signalling Officer 18 January 1900 to 28 June, 1901; and as Staff Officer to Brigadier General; was present at the Relief of Kimberley; in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, and took part in the operations at Paardeberg (17 to 25 February); in the actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein; served during the operations in the, Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to November 1900; and in the operations in Orange River Colony (May to 29 November 1900), including actions at Bothaville and Caledon River (27 to 29 November); again in the operations in the Transvaal, May 1902, and in Orange River Colony 30 November 1900 to June, 1901 (Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; Queen's Medal with four clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Henry Hume Chisholm Baird, Lieutenant, East Kent Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901. He was promoted to Captain 15 February 1901; was Adjutant, Volunteers, 28 April 1905 to 31 December 1907; retired in November 1912. Captain Baird rejoined in August 1914, and was placed on the retired list in July 1915, owing to ill-health caused by the War. He became Editor of the 'Ex-Service Man'. Captain Baird married, in 1905, Margot, daughter of John Kerr (formerly MP for Preston) and Margaret, daughter of Thomas Melville, of Kersehill, Stirlingshire.
DSO, QSA (4) RofK Paard Drief Trans, KSA (2). Regimental Museum 1992.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Buffs) East Kent Regiment |