Robert Porter (British Army officer) facts for kids

Sir Robert Porter (born January 31, 1858 – died February 27, 1928) was a brave officer and a skilled doctor in the British Army. He was known for his important work helping soldiers and civilians during several wars, including World War I. He received many honors for his service, showing how much he contributed to medicine and the military.

Early Life and Medical Training

Robert Porter was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1858. His father was Andrew Porter. Robert went to school at Foyle College in Derry. After that, he studied at the University of Glasgow, where he earned his degree as a Bachelor of Medicine (MB). This meant he was ready to become a doctor.

Joining the Army

On February 5, 1881, Robert Porter joined the Army Medical Department as a surgeon. This department later became known as the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was promoted to surgeon-major on February 5, 1893. This was an important step in his military medical career.

Service in Wars

Sir Robert Porter served as a doctor in several major conflicts. His work was crucial in caring for soldiers in difficult conditions.

Fourth Anglo-Ashanti War

From 1895 to 1896, he served in the Fourth Anglo-Ashanti War. This war took place in West Africa. His medical skills were vital in treating soldiers in a challenging environment.

Second Boer War

He also served in the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902 in South Africa. During this time, on February 4, 1901, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. He returned from South Africa in December 1902. On January 14, 1910, he became a colonel.

World War I and Later Honors

World War I began on August 4, 1914. Robert Porter was called back to active duty on August 5, 1914.

Role in World War I

During the war, he was mentioned in official reports six times for his excellent work. On November 2, 1914, he was promoted to the temporary rank of surgeon-general. From 1915 to 1917, he was the director of medical services for the Second Army. This meant he was in charge of all medical care for a large group of soldiers.

Fighting Disease in Belgium

Much of his wartime service was in Belgium. He played a key role in dealing with a serious typhoid epidemic among civilians in the Second Army area between 1914 and 1915. His efforts helped save many lives.

Awards and Retirement

For his outstanding service, he received several honors:

• He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 1916.
• Belgium honored him with the Commandeur of the Ordre de la Couronne in 1916.
• He also received the Croix de Guerre from Belgium in 1918.

He retired from the army on January 31, 1918. Later that year, the rank of surgeon-general was renamed major-general. He continued to receive recognition for his service:

• He was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1919.
• He became a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in 1921, which meant he was given the title "Sir."

Family and Later Years

In 1903, Sir Robert Porter married Mary Phillipa Johnstone. They had three sons together. In his later years, from August to December 1926, he led a group of schoolboys on a trip to Australia.

Passing Away

Sir Robert Porter passed away at his home in Beckenham, Kent, on February 27, 1928. He was 70 years old. He died from pneumonia and pleurisy, which are serious lung conditions.