Reginald Brabazon, 13th Earl of Meath facts for kids

Reginald Le Normand Brabazon, the 13th Earl of Meath, was an important Anglo-Irish soldier. He was born on November 24, 1869, and passed away on March 10, 1949, at 79 years old. Before he became the Earl of Meath in 1929, he was known as Lord Ardee from 1887.

Reginald was the oldest son of Reginald Brabazon, the 12th Earl of Meath, and Lady Mary Jane Maitland. He married Lady Aileen May Wyndham-Quin on February 12, 1908. Her parents were Wyndham Thomas Wyndham-Quin, the 4th Earl of Dunraven, and Florence Elizabeth Kerr.

A Life in the Military

Reginald Brabazon had a long and distinguished career in the British Army. He was a brave soldier who served in two major wars.

Early Military Career

Reginald went to Wellington College for his education. In 1889, he joined the Grenadier Guards as an officer. This was the start of his military journey.

Serving in the Boer War

From 1899 to 1902, Reginald served in the Second Boer War in South Africa. He showed great courage and was recognized for his service. He received the Queen's Medal with three clasps and the King's Medal with two clasps. These medals are special awards for bravery and service in battle. During this time, he even thought of his own design for a water clock.

World War I Hero

Reginald also fought in the First World War. This was a very difficult and dangerous conflict. In 1918, while he was leading the 4th Guards Brigade, he was injured by poison gas. Despite this, he continued to serve with dedication. By the end of his service, he had reached the high rank of brigadier general.

Life Beyond the Army

Besides his military career, Reginald Brabazon had other interests.

Passion for Gardening

Reginald had a great love for gardening. He spent a lot of time working on the gardens at Killruddery House. This was the family home of the Earls of Meath. Today, the gardens at Killruddery House are very famous. Many tourists visit them, and they are even more well-known than the house itself!

Awards and Later Life

In 1919, Reginald was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award recognized his important contributions. He passed away at Killruddery House on March 10, 1949.