Sir George Abercromby, 8th Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Abercromby baronets of Birkenbog |
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| Motto | above the crest: Petit alta (He seeks the heights) and below the shield: Mercie is my desire |
| Arms | Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Argent a Chevron Gules between three Boars' Heads erased Azure langued of the second; 2nd and 3rd grand-quarters: 1st and 4th, Argent a Lion passant guardant Gules crowned with an Imperial Crown proper; 2nd and 3rd, Argent three Popinjays Vert beaked and membered Gules |
| Crest | A Falcon rising belled proper |
| Supporters | On either side a Greyhound Argent collared Gules |
Sir George William Abercromby of Birkenbog, 8th Baronet, was a Scottish nobleman and a large landowner. He was born on March 18, 1886, and passed away on September 9, 1964. He held the important role of Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire from 1946 until his death. This role meant he was the King's or Queen's personal representative in that area of Scotland.
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About the Abercromby Family
The Abercromby family has a long history. The title of Abercromby baronets was first created in 1636. This special title was part of the Baronetage of Nova Scotia. A baronet is a person who holds a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in their family. It is a rank below a baron but above a knight.
Sir George's Early Life
George William Abercromby was born in 1886. He was the older son of Sir Robert Abercromby, who was the 7th Baronet. His mother was Florence, the daughter of Eyre Coote.
When George was only nine years old, his father passed away in 1895. This meant that young George became the 8th Baronet. A few years later, in 1899, his mother married again to Francis Baring, 2nd Earl of Northbrook. George went to school at Eton College, a famous school in England.
Family Home and Lands
The Abercromby family owned a lot of land, mostly around the town of Turriff in Scotland. Their main family home was Forglen House. This grand house had been passed down to the Abercromby family from William Ogilvy, who was the 8th Lord Banff.
Sir George's Military Service
Sir George had an important career in the military. In 1906, he joined the Scots Guards as a 2nd lieutenant. This was his first step as an officer in the army.
Rising Through the Ranks
Three years later, he was promoted to lieutenant. He joined the 6th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders. He also worked as an aide-de-camp for Sir Neville Lyttelton. An aide-de-camp is like a personal assistant to a high-ranking military officer. Sir Neville was the Commander-in-Chief of Ireland at that time.
By 1914, Sir George became a captain. He later rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and then brevet-colonel. He was in charge of the 6th Battalion of his regiment.
World War I and Awards
Sir George served in the First World War. He was mentioned in official reports for his brave actions. In 1917, he received the Distinguished Service Order (DSO). This is a very important award given for bravery in battle. After he retired from active service, he was made an honorary colonel of his old Battalion in 1931.
Public Service in Banffshire
Sir George also dedicated much of his life to public service in Banffshire, Scotland.
Local Government Roles
In 1928, he was chosen as a Deputy Lieutenant for Banffshire. Later, he became the Vice Lieutenant. He was also a member of the Banff County Council for many years. He even served as its convener, which means he was the head of the council for a time.
Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire
In 1946, Sir George took on the role of Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire. He took over from James Archibald. He held this important position, representing the monarch, until just a few months before he passed away in 1964.
Family Life
Sir George William Abercromby married Eleanor Anderson on January 17, 1935. Eleanor was the only daughter of Sir Arthur Robert Anderson. Sir George and Eleanor did not have any children. When Sir George died in 1964, his younger brother, Robert, became the next Baronet.
