George Bambridge facts for kids

George Louis St Clair Bambridge (born September 27, 1892, died December 16, 1943) was a British diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. He was also known for being the husband of Elsie Kipling. Elsie was the daughter of the famous writer, Rudyard Kipling.

Life Story of George Bambridge

Early Years and School

George Louis St Clair Bambridge was born in 1892. His parents were George Frederick Bambridge and Ada Henrietta. Sadly, George lost his mother in 1896 and his father in 1898. After this, he was raised by his aunt's family. He went to a well-known school called Eton.

Military Service and Diplomacy

When World War I began in 1914, George Bambridge joined the army. He first became a 2nd Lieutenant in the Middlesex Regiment. Later, he became a Captain in the Irish Guards. He served bravely until 1918. For his courage, he received the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle.

His award citation said he led a counter-attack. This happened when the enemy broke through their lines. George's quick action pushed the enemy back. This helped to keep their position.

After the war, George started a career in diplomacy. He worked for the British government in different countries. He was an honorary attache in embassies. An embassy is like an office for a country's diplomats in another nation. He worked in Madrid, Brussels, and Paris at different times.

Marriage to Elsie Kipling

George Bambridge married Elsie Kipling on October 22, 1924. Elsie was the daughter of the famous author Rudyard Kipling. Their wedding took place at St Margaret's Church in Westminster. The party after the wedding was held at the home of Stanley Baldwin. Baldwin was a cousin of the Kipling family and had been the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom three times.

George and Elsie did not have any children. In 1933, they moved into a house called Burgh House in Hampstead. Rudyard Kipling often visited them there. Kipling's very last trip was to Burgh House in January 1936. He went to comfort George, who was sick with bronchitis. The next day, Kipling became very ill and passed away a few days later.

In 1937, the Bambridges bought Wimpole Hall near Cambridge. They later gave this large estate to the National Trust. The National Trust is an organization that protects historic places and natural beauty in the UK.

Later Life and Passing

George Bambridge passed away on December 16, 1943. He was 51 years old. He died at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire. His wife, Elsie, lived until 1976. They are both buried together in St Andrew's Churchyard in Wimpole.