Roderick Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Cromartie facts for kids

Roderick Grant Francis Blunt-Mackenzie (born October 24, 1904 – died December 13, 1989) was a Scottish soldier and a noble. He was known as the 4th Earl of Cromartie. In 1979, he was officially recognized as the leader of Clan Mackenzie, a historic Scottish clan.

Early Life and Family History

Roderick Blunt-Mackenzie was born on October 24, 1904. From birth, he held the title of Viscount Tarbat. He was the oldest son of Lady Sibell Lilian Mackenzie, who was the 3rd Countess of Cromartie in her own right. His father was Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Walter Blunt. Roderick had a younger brother, Walter Osra Blunt-Mackenzie, who served in the Royal Naval Reserve during World War II. He also had two sisters, Lady Janet and Lady Isobel.

His grandfather, Francis Mackenzie, was the 2nd Earl of Cromartie. Roderick's family had a long history in Scotland. His great-great-grandfather, George Mackenzie, 3rd Earl of Cromartie, was involved in the Jacobite rising of 1745. Roderick's aunt, Lady Constance Mackenzie, was known for her dancing. Her performances caused some stir in 1910, leading to her being barred from the Royal Court for a time.

Roderick went to school at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey. He then studied at the Royal Military College Sandhurst, which is a famous military academy.

A Soldier's Career

Castle Leod, the historic home of the Earls of Cromartie.

In 1924, Roderick joined the 1st Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders, a Scottish army regiment. He moved to the 2nd Battalion in India in 1925. He fought in the North-West Frontier region in 1925. Later, he was sent to Nigeria to serve with the Royal West African Frontier Force from 1928 to 1930.

After returning to the Seaforth Highlanders in India, he served again on the Frontier during the 1930–31 Afridi Redshirt Rebellion. In 1932, he left the regular army. He became a Justice of the Peace for Ross and Cromarty in 1937. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.

In January 1938, he joined the 4th Territorial Battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders. In 1939, he became a Major. During World War II in 1940, he fought with the 4th Seaforth in France. His unit was cut off at St Valery-en-Caux and he became a prisoner of war. He was recommended for the Military Cross for his bravery during the retreat. He received this award after he was released in 1945.

In 1964, he became a member of the Ross and Cromarty County Council. He also received the Territorial Decoration that same year. He was appointed a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

On May 20, 1962, Roderick inherited several important titles. These included the 4th Baron Castlehaven, 4th Viscount Tarbat, 4th Baron Macleod of Castle Leod, and 4th Earl of Cromartie. In 1979, he was officially recognized as the Chief of the Clan Mackenzie. The main home of the Earls of Cromartie is Castle Leod, located in Strathpeffer, Ross-shire.

Family Life

The Coat of Arms for the Earl of Cromartie.

Lord Cromartie was married three times and had three children. His first marriage was in America on March 11, 1933, to Dorothy Porter. They had two daughters:

• Lady Sibell Agnes Julia Blunt-Mackenzie (born 1934).
• Lady Gilean Frances Blunt-Mackenzie (born 1936).

His second marriage was on January 30, 1947, to Olga Mendoza. They had one son:

• John Ruaridh Blunt Grant Blunt-Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Cromartie (born 1948).

On December 1, 1962, Lord Cromartie married Lilian Janet Garvie Richard.

Lord Cromartie passed away on December 13, 1989.