Geoffrey Barton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Geoffrey Barton
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| Born | 22 February 1844 Stuttgardt, Germany |
| Died | 8 July 1922 (aged 78) Dumfries, Scotland |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1862-1904 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Unit | Royal Fusiliers |
| Commands held | 6th (Fusiliers) Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Jirbinbah, Kumasi, Gingindlovu, Kassasin, Tel el-Kebir, Colenso, Vaal Krantz, Tugela Heights |
| Awards | KCVO, CB, CMG, KStJ |
| Other work | Magistrate in Dumfries Red Cross Society Boy Scout Movement |
Major General Sir Geoffrey Barton (22 February 1844 – 8 July 1922) was a British Army officer. He served in the British Army from 1862 until 1904. He was part of the Royal Fusiliers, a famous army regiment.
Sir Geoffrey Barton served in many places, including Ireland, Hong Kong, and India. However, most of his military actions took place in Africa. During the Second Boer War, he led the 6th Brigade. This brigade helped in important events like the Relief of Ladysmith and the Relief of Mafeking. After he retired, he became involved in local community work in Scotland. He supported the Red Cross Society and the Boy Scout Movement.
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Early Life and Family
Geoffrey Barton was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on February 22, 1844. His parents were Charles Cutts Barton and Emelia Ann Hastings Barton. He went to Eton College, a famous school in England.
In 1862, at the age of 18, he joined the army. He became an ensign, which was a junior officer rank. His first assignment was in Firozpur, Punjab, India. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1865.
In 1890, he married Beryl Marie Baskerville Mackenzie. They had three children: Philip Geoffrey (born 1891), Charles Henry (born 1893), and Joanna Katherine (born 1894).
Military Career Highlights
First Years in the Army
From 1869 to 1873, Barton worked as an adjutant for his regiment. An adjutant is an officer who helps with administrative tasks. In January 1874, he was chosen for a special mission in West Africa. This was during the Ashanti Expedition. He served under General Sir Garnet Wolseley.
During this campaign, Barton was injured. He was also praised for his actions in battles at Jarbinbah and Kumasi. Later in 1874, he became a captain. Within a year, he returned to his original regiment, the Royal Fusiliers. In October 1874, Captain Barton became an aide-de-camp to Major General Shipley. An aide-de-camp is a personal assistant to a senior officer.
Zulu War Service
In 1879, the Zulu War began in Southern Africa. Captain Barton was sent there to join the general staff. Later, he was given command of the 4th Battalion, Natal Native Contingent. He took part in the Battle of Gingindlovu. After this battle, he was promoted to Brevet (military) Major. A brevet promotion means he held the rank but might not have received the full pay or authority right away.
After the war, he went back to England. He attended Staff College, a school for army officers. He was promoted to major in his regiment in July 1881. He finished Staff College in December of that year.
Campaigns in Africa and Asia
In September 1882, British forces landed in Egypt. They were there to help stop a revolt led by Ahmed Orabi. Major Barton was put in charge of the Foot Police. He was present at the Egyptian attack at Kassasin. He also fought in the main Battle of Tel el-Kebir. For his service, he was promoted to Brevet lieutenant colonel.
From 1884 to 1885, Lieutenant Colonel Barton served in Hong Kong, China. He worked as an assistant military secretary. After that, he had a similar role in Suakin, Sudan. This was during the Nile Expedition. He served there until June 1885. He then spent several years in Britain. On October 27, 1898, he was promoted to major general.
Role in the Second Boer War
When the Second Boer War started, Major General Barton joined General Sir Redvers Buller's army in South Africa. He commanded the 6th (Fusiliers) Brigade. This brigade was often called "Barton's Brigade."
General Buller's main goal was the Relief of Ladysmith. Ladysmith was a town under siege by the Boers. Buller moved his army towards the Tugela River. The Boers had strong defenses there. During the first attempt to cross the Tugela at the Battle of Colenso, Barton's Brigade was held in reserve. When the attack failed, Barton decided not to send his troops forward.
Next, Buller tried to go around the Boer defenses. He sent most of his army to attack Spion Kop. Barton's brigade stayed behind to protect the supply lines. A third attempt to cross the Tugela at Vaal Krantz also failed.
The Battle of the Tugela Heights was a series of battles to finally cross the Tugela River. Barton's brigade helped capture Green Hill. On February 27, his brigade attacked Pieters Hill. They moved quickly at first. However, the attack slowed down when they moved out of sight of their artillery. The Boers also brought in more soldiers. Luckily for the British, the Boers were forced to retreat. This cleared the way for the relief of Ladysmith on March 1. Barton was injured during the fighting on February 27.
After Ladysmith and Mafeking were relieved, Major General Barton was sent to the Western Transvaal. He commanded troops in the Krugersdorp and Pretoria areas. He stayed there until the war ended in June 1902. He returned to England in July 1902. For his service, he was praised in official reports. He also received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) award.
Later Life and Retirement
Geoffrey Barton retired from the British Army in August 1904. He settled in Craige, Dumfrieshire, Scotland. In his retirement, he became very involved in local community activities. He worked with the Red Cross Society. He also supported the Boy Scout Movement, which helps young people develop skills and character.
Sir Geoffrey Barton passed away on July 8, 1922, at the age of 78.
Awards and Medals
Sir Geoffrey Barton received several important awards for his service:
- Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) - 1906
- Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) - 1889
- Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) - 1902
- Knight of Grace of the Order of St John of Jerusalem
