Sydney Turing Barlow Lawford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sydney Turing Barlow Lawford
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|---|---|
| Born | 16 November 1865 |
| Died | 15 February 1953 (aged 87) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1885–1926 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Commands held | 22nd (Infantry) Brigade 41st Division |
| Battles/wars | Second Boer War First World War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath |
Lieutenant-General Sir Sydney Turing Barlow Lawford (born November 16, 1865 – died February 15, 1953) was a brave and respected British general. He was also the father of the famous Hollywood actor Peter Lawford.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sydney Lawford was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. This was on November 16, 1865. His father was Thomas Acland Lawford.
Young Sydney went to Windlesham House School from 1870 to 1878. After that, he studied at Wellington College.
Military Career Highlights
After finishing his military training, Sydney Lawford joined the British Army. He became a lieutenant in 1885. He was part of the 7th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment).
Service in South Africa
Lawford served in the Second Boer War in South Africa. He commanded a group of mounted infantry soldiers. He was promoted to major in 1900.
After the war, he became a lieutenant-colonel. He returned home in September 1902. In 1912, he became a colonel. He also led the School of Mounted Infantry at Longmoor.
World War I Leadership
During World War I, Lawford played an important role. He commanded the 22nd (Infantry) Brigade. This was on the Western Front from 1914 to 1915.
He was then promoted to Major-General. From 1915 to 1919, he led the 41st Division. This division was part of the new army called Kitchener's Army.
'Swanky Syd' and His Reputation
Sydney Lawford had a nickname: 'Swanky Syd'. He got this name because he often wore his full uniform. This included all his medals.
A top military leader, Field Marshal Earl Douglas Haig, wrote about Lawford. He said Lawford was "hard fighting and plucky." This means he was very brave and determined. Lawford was also knighted for his service during the war.
Post-War Service and Retirement
After World War I, Lawford was promoted again. He became a Lieutenant-General. He was then sent to serve in the British India Army. He retired from the army in 1926.
Personal Life
Sydney Lawford was married twice. His second marriage was to May Aylen. Together, they had a son named Peter Lawford. Peter later became a well-known actor in Hollywood.
The Lawford family moved to France. Later, they moved to the United States.
Death
Sydney Lawford passed away on February 15, 1953.
