Anthony Pigott Posted 6 December , 2005 Share Posted 6 December , 2005 I've often come across vague references to generals' bodyguards but without much detail. I was reminded by them being mentioned in another topic: I didn't want to divert that one so I'm posting this. Does anyone know about them? Who had them? How many men per general? Were they specially selected? Were there occasions when they had to fight to protect their man? Are they discussed in any books? Thanks. Anthony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Tom Posted 6 December , 2005 Share Posted 6 December , 2005 Hello, The only one I have read about was the escort, rather than body guard which accompanied Haig when he was on horseback. I think this was a troop of cavalry from his old regiment (slips my mind) and the main impression from the odd photo is a sergeant carrying a Union flag. Old Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenbecker Posted 7 December , 2005 Share Posted 7 December , 2005 Mate, Without looking at the old disscuison on this there are records of General Birdwood having an AIF body guard while on Gallipoli. But as mentioned they were more an escort then body guard but did stay with him for a time. Most of these men were later sent to the newly forming and expanding Provest Corps after that work as body guard. Cheers S.B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ciaran Byrne Posted 7 December , 2005 Share Posted 7 December , 2005 Hello, The only one I have read about was the escort, rather than body guard which accompanied Haig when he was on horseback. I think this was a troop of cavalry from his old regiment (slips my mind) and the main impression from the odd photo is a sergeant carrying a Union flag. Old Tom That regiment was the 21st (Empress of India's) Lancers. They served throughout the war in India but sent over a squadron to act a troop to act as escort to Haig. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaeldr Posted 7 December , 2005 Share Posted 7 December , 2005 Steve, I’ve no doubt that you know more than I about any AIF men escorting Birdwood on Gallipoli, however the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps was specifically brought there by that same general to act as his personal escort and guard. I cannot find refs at the moment but I recollect reading somewhere that he later got commissions for most of this select band, except for one who insisted on remaining a cook! I think that after the war he found time to visit this same successful planter in Ceylon. Also as far as I remember there are three of them left interred on Gallipoli. Regards Michael D.R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenbecker Posted 8 December , 2005 Share Posted 8 December , 2005 (edited) No worries mate, The soldier I know about was William Harold Kenny DCM 2 LHR. He was attached as his body guard and escort while on Gallipoli and transfered to the AProvC an later won the Medal Militare. His sister Elizebeth was a well known nurse who worked with Polio sufferes and served in the Great war. I think there are a number of net places about Bill Kenny and his life. Cheers S.B Edited 8 December , 2005 by stevenbecker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-50.thumb.jpg.0bc8e44e3e360e2199a32dad08088700.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now