Richard Southey (British Army officer) facts for kids

Colonel Richard George Southey (1844–1909) was an important military leader in South Africa during the time it was a British colony. His father, Richard Southey, was also a high-ranking government official in the Cape Colony.

Colonel Richard Southey: A South African Military Leader

Richard George Southey was born in 1844 and lived until 1909. He became a well-known military commander in South Africa. His career involved serving in the British Army and later leading local forces in the Cape Colony.

Early Military Career

Southey joined the British Army in a unit called the 10th Foot, which later became the Lincolnshire Regiment. He became a Lieutenant in 1867 and was promoted to Captain in 1877. He spent some time serving in the Far East before returning to South Africa.

Serving in South Africa

Once back in South Africa, Colonel Southey took part in the 9th Frontier War (1877–1878). After this, he moved to the new Defence Department. Here, he commanded a group called the Cape Mounted Yeomanry. He also served in the Basuto Gun War in Basutoland (1880–1881). He left the British Army in 1883 with the honorary rank of Major.

Leading Volunteer Forces

From 1882 to 1892, Lieutenant-Colonel Southey was a key officer in charge of volunteer military groups in Cape Town. These were groups of citizens who volunteered to train as soldiers. From 1884 to 1890, he also commanded the city's main regiment, the Duke of Edinburgh's Own Volunteer Rifles.

Later, from 1892 to 1902, he became the Commandant of Volunteers. This meant he was in charge of all the volunteer forces across the entire Cape Colony. He made many changes to improve how well these forces trained and operated. For his excellent service during the Second Boer War, he received a special award. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in November 1900. This award is given for outstanding service to the country.

Important Awards and Later Life

In August 1901, Colonel Southey received another important award. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). This happened when the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York visited the Cape of Good Hope. These royal visitors later became King George V and Queen Mary.

Colonel Southey's last official job was as the Colonial Military Secretary from 1903 to 1904. In this role, he helped manage military affairs for the colony.