Arthur French, 5th Baron de Freyne facts for kids
Arthur Reginald French, 5th Baron de Freyne (born July 3, 1879 – died May 9, 1915) was an Anglo-Irish military officer. He served in the British Army and also spent time as a soldier in the United States Army.
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His Early Life and Military Path
Arthur Reginald French was born in London. His father was Arthur French, the 4th Baron de Freyne, from Frenchpark in County Roscommon, Ireland. His mother was Lady Laura Octavia Dundas.
Arthur went to a famous military school called Sandhurst. After graduating, he became a lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers, a British Army regiment. He served there from 1899 to 1901. He then stayed in the Reserve of Officers until 1905.
A New Start in America
In 1902, Arthur married Annabelle Angus. After his marriage, his father stopped supporting him financially. Because of this, Arthur decided to leave his position in the British Army.
He then traveled to the United States in 1905. He hoped to join the North-West Mounted Police or visit his uncle's ranch in New Mexico.
When he arrived in New York City, he stayed at a hotel. Soon after, he disappeared, which caused a stir and was reported in the newspapers. It turned out he had joined the U.S. Army as a private soldier. He was sent to Fort Slocum, an island military post.
While at Fort Slocum, Arthur was popular with his fellow soldiers. He was even known as "the Dook of Fort Slocum." He would sell his civilian suits to pay for dinners for his friends.
Service in the Philippines
Arthur stayed with his regiment when it moved to the Philippines. He served there for several years, signing up for duty multiple times. He remained a private soldier during his time in the American army.
In 1913, his father passed away. This meant Arthur inherited the title of Baron de Freyne. A Baron is a noble title, similar to a lord. After becoming a Baron, Arthur decided to leave the U.S. Army. He bought his way out of his enlistment in October 1913, which was a common practice back then.
Return to British Service and World War I
When World War I began, Arthur rejoined the British Army. He became a captain in the 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers.
Sadly, Arthur Reginald French died on May 9, 1915, during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. He was 35 years old. He was fighting alongside his half-brother, George Philip French, when he passed away.
He is buried in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery in Souchez, France. After his death, his half-brother, Francis Charles French, became the 6th Baron de Freyne.
Images for kids
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A coronet, a type of crown worn by a Baron
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The coat of arms for the French family
