George Paynter (British Army officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir George Paynter
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| Born | 2 August 1880 London, England |
| Died | 15 August 1950 (aged 70) Grantham, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Brigadier-General |
| Unit | Lincolnshire Regiment Scots Guards |
| Commands held | 172nd (2/1st South Lancashire) Brigade |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, Distinguished Service Order and Bar, Mentioned in Dispatches |
Brigadier-General Sir George Camborne Beauclerk Paynter (born August 2, 1880 – died August 15, 1950) was a brave officer in the British Army. He also worked as a courtier for King George V and Queen Mary in the royal household.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Paynter was born in London, England. His father was Major George Paynter. George went to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, which is a famous school for training army officers.
Starting His Military Career
George Paynter joined the British Army on March 23, 1898. He first joined the 4th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment. Later, he moved to the Scots Guards on October 18, 1899, becoming a second lieutenant.
Serving in the Second Boer War
When the Second Boer War began in South Africa in late 1899, George's unit, the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, was sent there in April 1900. He served in South Africa until the war ended. He took part in important actions in the Orange River Colony from May to November 1900. This included battles at Biddulphsberg and in the Wittebergen area. He was promoted to lieutenant on March 16, 1901. The war finished in June 1902. George returned to England in October 1902 with his battalion.
Heroism in the First World War
George Paynter also fought in the First World War. He showed great bravery and leadership.
Leading the Scots Guards
On October 24, 1914, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). This award recognized his excellent leadership of the 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, during fierce fighting.
Becoming a Brigadier-General
On August 25, 1916, George became the commanding officer of the 172nd (2/1st South Lancashire) Brigade. He was promoted to temporary brigadier-general. He earned another award, a bar to his DSO, in October 1918. This was for his courageous command of his brigade. He was injured on October 4, 1918, and went to Highclere Castle to recover. He returned to his brigade on October 25. On June 2, 1919, he was officially promoted to lieutenant-colonel. In 1922, he became a full colonel and was given the award of Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Working for the Royal Family
After his military career, George Paynter took on important roles in the royal household.
Serving King George V
On December 1, 1927, he was appointed as an equerry to King George V. An equerry is an officer who attends to members of the royal family. In 1930, he became an extra equerry, a position he held for several years. On August 3, 1937, he became a Groom in Waiting. This is another important role in the royal household.
Later Life and Honors
On November 12, 1943, he retired from active service but was given the honorary rank of brigadier-general. He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland on March 6, 1945. This is a representative of the monarch in a county. On June 8, 1950, he was honored as a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. This is a special award given by the monarch for personal service.
Family Life
George Paynter married Alberta Diana Hunloke on February 5, 1921. Their wedding took place at St George's, Hanover Square in London.
