Herbert Lumsden
| Herbert Lumsden | |
|---|---|
Lumsden, pictured here as GOC 1st Armoured Division. The photo was taken on 6 September 1942 after his promotion to lieutenant-general.
|
|
| Born |
8 April 1897 Clanfield, Oxfordshire |
| Died | 6 January 1945 (aged 47) Lingayen Gulf, Philippines |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 British Army
|
| Years of service | 1916–1945 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Unit |
Royal Horse Artillery 12th Royal Lancers |
| Commands held |
12th Royal Lancers 28th Armoured Brigade 6th Armoured Division 1st Armoured Division X Corps VIII Corps II Corps |
| Battles/wars |
World War I World War II |
| Awards |
Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order & Bar Military Cross |
Lieutenant-General Herbert Lumsden CB, DSO & Bar, MC (8 April 1897 – 6 January 1945) was a senior British Army officer who fought in both World War I and World War II. He was the most senior British Army combat casualty of the Second World War.
Herbert Lumsden was born at Clanfield, Oxfordshire on 8 April 1897, the son of John Lumsden. Educated at The Leys School, at the outbreak of the First World War he was only 17 years old. He served in the ranks with the Territorial Force for ten months before passing into the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. He was commissioned into the Royal Horse Artillery on 13 August 1916. On 26 July 1918 Lumsden was awarded the Military Cross. The citation read:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during 13 days of continuous fighting in charge of a forward section. He invariably showed the greatest coolness and courage in the face of danger, keeping his section in action, and always volunteering for any officer's patrol work. As FOO he was consistently shelled whenever he moved his OP, and, although finally wounded, he continued to work and observe for his battery.
On 19 April 1923 Lumsden married Alice Mary Roddick in Northaw. They would have two sons, Michael & Peter. Lumsden continued to serve in the Royal Artillery until 24 June 1925, when he transferred to the 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales), a cavalry regiment. In August he was promoted from lieutenant to captain after eight years in the former rank. He was an ardent horseman, despite his 6 ft height, and participated in a number of Grand Nationals. In 1926 he won the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown riding Foxtrot.
...
Wikipedia