11 Facts About Robert Kekewich

Major-General Robert George Kekewich, CB was a British Army officer who saw service in four wars.

Robert Kekewich was the brother of Sir Trehawke Herbert Kekewich, 1st Baronet and the nephew of the judge Sir Arthur Kekewich.

Robert Kekewich was educated at Marlborough and King Edward's School, Birmingham.

Robert Kekewich was employed as Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General in the Sudan campaign of 1888, and afterwards as military secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, Madras, and was engaged in the Third Anglo-Burmese War.

Robert Kekewich was promoted into the Loyal Regiment and commanded the 1st Battalion of that regiment in the Second Boer War.

Robert Kekewich commanded the garrison in Kimberley during the siege and successful defence of the town, during which time he came into conflict with Cecil Rhodes who was present.

Robert Kekewich received a brevet promotion to colonel for his services a week later, on 21 February 1900.

Robert Kekewich stayed in South Africa until peace had been signed in June 1902, when he returned to England on the SS Carisbrook Castle, landing at Southampton in early August.

Robert Kekewich retired from the army in 1904 but was appointed to the honorary position of Colonel of the Buffs on 5 October 1909.

In poor health and suffering from depression, Robert Kekewich had been invalided from his command and hospitalized before returning to his home near Exeter.

Robert Kekewich was buried in St Martin's Churchyard, Exminster, Devon.