Keith Arbuthnott, 15th Viscount of Arbuthnott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Keith Arbuthnott, 15th Viscount of Arbuthnott
Major General Arbuthnott in 1945
Born	(1897-08-21)21 August 1897 British India
Died	15 December 1966(1966-12-15) (aged 69) Hillside, Montrose, Angus, Scotland
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service/branch	British Army
Years of service	1914–1952
Rank	Major General
Service number	13522
Unit	Black Watch
Commands held	198th Infantry Brigade 11th Infantry Brigade 78th Infantry Division 51st (Highland) Infantry Division
Battles/wars	First World War Arab revolt in Palestine Second World War
Awards	Companion of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order Military Cross Mentioned in Despatches (3) Legion of Merit (United States)
Other work	Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire

Major General Robert Keith Arbuthnott, also known as the 15th Viscount of Arbuthnott, was an important officer in the British Army. He served his country in both the First World War and the Second World War. He was born on August 21, 1897, in British India and passed away on December 15, 1966, in Scotland.

Serving in the Army

Robert Arbuthnott went to Fettes College and then to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Sandhurst is a famous place where army officers are trained. On July 14, 1915, he officially joined the Black Watch regiment as a second lieutenant. During the First World War, he was recognized for his brave actions and was also wounded.

He became a captain on January 2, 1924. Later, from 1931 to 1932, he attended the Staff College, Camberley. This college teaches officers how to plan and lead military operations. After serving in Palestine, he became a teacher at the Staff College in 1938.

During the Second World War, he worked as a staff officer for Scottish Command starting in August 1941. He then took command of the 198th Brigade in May 1943. In September 1943, he led the 11th Infantry Brigade during the Italian campaign. By November 1944, he was in charge of the 78th Infantry Division in Italy.

After the war ended, he continued his service. In 1946, he became the Chief of the British Military Mission to the Egyptian Army. He was then the Chief of staff for Scottish Command in 1948. In 1949, he became the General Officer Commanding the 51st (Highland) Infantry Division. He retired from the British Army in 1952 with the rank of Major General.

After retiring, he was an honorary colonel for the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment). He also served as a Deputy Lieutenant and later as the Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire from 1960 to 1966.

Coat of Arms of the Viscounts of Arbuthnott.

Awards and Honors

Robert Arbuthnott received many awards for his bravery and service:

• The Companion of the Order of the Bath was given to him on July 5, 1945. This was for his brave and excellent service in Italy.
• The Commander of the Order of the British Empire was awarded on December 21, 1944. This was also for his distinguished service in Italy.
• The Distinguished Service Order was given on October 14, 1938. This award recognized his service in Palestine.
• The Military Cross was awarded on April 22, 1918. He received it for his outstanding bravery and dedication while leading a raiding party. He showed great courage and inspired his men.
• He was Mentioned in Despatches three times:
  • May 24, 1918
  • April 25, 1939, for his service in Palestine
  • August 24, 1944, for his brave service in Italy
• He also received the Commander of the Legion of Merit from the United States on August 2, 1945. This was for his important service to the Allies.

His Family

Lord Arbuthnott married Ursula Collingwood on January 10, 1924. Ursula passed away on December 20, 1989. They had three sons and one daughter. One of their sons, John Campbell Arbuthnott, 16th Viscount of Arbuthnott, later became the 16th Viscount of Arbuthnott.