Edward Cecil Bethune facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Edward Cecil Bethune
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Lieutenant General Sir Edward Bethune in 1917
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| Born | 23 June 1855 Kensington, London |
| Died | 2 November 1930 (aged 75) Kensington, London |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1875–1920 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Unit | 92nd Foot (The Gordon Highlanders) 6th Dragoon Guards (The Carabiniers) |
| Commands held | Territorial Force West Lancashire Division 16th (The Queen's) Lancers Bethune's Mounted Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Second Anglo-Afghan War First Boer War Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Royal Victorian Order Mentioned in Despatches (3) |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Lilian Elliot Lockhart |
| Other work | Royal British Legion |
Lieutenant General Sir Edward Cecil Bethune (born June 23, 1855 – died November 2, 1930) was a brave British Army officer. He is famous for leading his own special group of soldiers, called Bethune's Mounted Infantry, during the Second Boer War. He also played an important role in the First World War, helping to lead the Territorial Force.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the Army
Edward Bethune was born in London on June 23, 1855. His father, Charles Ramsay Bethune, was an Admiral in the Navy. From a young age, Edward decided he wanted to join the British Army.
At just 20 years old, in September 1875, he joined the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders) Regiment of Foot. This was the start of his long and important military career.
Military Adventures and Leadership
Fighting in Afghanistan and South Africa
Edward Bethune saw his first action in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880). He was part of important operations around Kabul. After that, he served in the First Boer War in South Africa (1880–1881).
In 1886, he moved to a cavalry (horse-riding) regiment called the 6th Dragoon Guards (The Carabiniers). Ten years later, he joined the 16th (The Queen's) Lancers.
Leading His Own Soldiers in the Second Boer War
In September 1899, the Second Boer War began in South Africa. Edward Bethune was sent there. He did something amazing: he created and led his very own group of soldiers called Bethune's Mounted Infantry.
His unit fought bravely in major battles like Colenso and Spion Kop. They also helped in the important relief of Ladysmith, where they rescued a besieged town. For his bravery, he was mentioned in official reports three times.
Becoming a General
After the war, Edward Bethune continued to rise through the ranks. In 1905, he became a brigadier general. He was put in charge of an area in the Cape Colony in South Africa. He also received an important award, becoming a Companion of the Order of the Bath.
In 1908, he became a major general. He was given the special honor of being the Colonel of the 4th (Royal Irish) Dragoon Guards. He also became the leader of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division of the Territorial Force. This group was made up of part-time soldiers who trained to help defend Britain.
World War I and Retirement
In 1912, he became the Director General of the Territorial Force. This meant he was in charge of all the Territorials. He was promoted to lieutenant general in 1913.
Sir Edward Bethune served throughout the entire First World War. He retired in 1920 after 45 years of dedicated service to the British Army. After retiring, he continued to help others by becoming the Chairman of the Metropolitan Area of the Royal British Legion. This organization supports veterans and their families.
Family Life
In 1890, while in India, Edward Bethune married Mary Lilian Elliot Lockhart. They had a daughter named Mary Cecilia, who was known as Molly.
Images for kids
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Lieutenant General Sir Edward Bethune in 1917
