General Sir Henry Smythe KCB

1877-1891

He was born 5^th April 1816 and became an Ensign by purchase in the 68^th Foot on 28^th June 1833. Obtaining progressive appointments by purchase, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel on 30^th December 1853. He exchanged to the 76^th Foot on 8^th July 1859 and later became Major General, Western District, from 1^st February 1874 to 31^st March 1877.

He became Colonel of the 2^nd Queen’s on 25^th March 1877 and was appointed a General on 29^th September 1878. He died in command in 1891.

On active service he commanded the 68^th Light Infantry throughout the Eastern Campaign of 1854 - 1855 including the battles of Alma and Inkerman (where his horse was killed) and the siege and fall of Sebastapol. Appointed CB and Officer of the Legion of Honour, he was also awarded the appropriate campaign medal with three clasps as well as the Sardinian and Turkish Medals and the 4^th Class of the Medjidie.

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