Horace Francis Kays CB MID (1861 - 1945)

Born 12 May 1861 in 66 Porchester Terrace, Bayswater, London, England

Husband of Emily (Colvin) Kays — married 1888 in St. George, Hanover Square, London, England

Descendants

Died 1945 at about age 83 in Edinburgh, Scotland

Biography

Medals and Awards

Horace Francis Kays was born on 12 May 1861 in Bayswater, London, England.^[1] He was educated at Harrow.^[2] Sir Horace married Emily Colvin, daughter of Sir Auckland Colvin KCSI KCMG CIE, in 1888.^[3] They had two daughters, Charlotte Kays Dunn and Sibyl Kays Colvin.

Sir Horace joined the Highland Light Infantry in December 1883. He took part in the Hazara Expedition in 1891 as Assistant Superintendent of Signaling. He was Superintendent of Signaling on the Miranzai Expedition in 1891 and was mentioned in despatches form Brig-Gen. Sir W. S. A. Lockhart, quoting:

Lieutenant H. F. Kays, Highland Light Infantry, has superintended the signalling of the force since its concentration. The management of this important service has left nothing to be desired. I wish to record my high appreciation of the work done by all ranks of signallers, who have been by far the hardest worked men in the field force.

During the South African war, he was Commandant at Barkley East from July 1901. He took part in operations in Cape Colony and Orange Free State including operations at Paardeberg 17-26 February.

Horace was rapidly promoted to Major in October of 1902. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in December 1908 commanding 2nd Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. He was subsequently promoted to Colonel in December 1912, and Temporary Brigadier General in August 1914. He was created a C.B. (Order of the Bath, Companion) on 3 June 1918 for services in connection with the war. ^[4] His name was brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered in the war.^[5] He did not serve overseas during the war and is entitled to the British War Medal only.

Brig Gen Horace Francis Kays, CB MID died 1945 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sources

1. ↑ England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 index, FamilySearch, Horace Francis Kays, 21 Jul 1861; citing , reference ; FHL microfilm 579,297.
2. ↑ The Harrow School Register, 1801-1900 by Harrow School pg. 460
3. ↑ England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005 index, FamilySearch, Horace Francis Kayn, 1888; citing Marriage, St. George Hanover Square, London, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.
4. ↑ Debrett's Peerage, Baronetage Knightage, and Companionage. 1920 page 146
5. ↑ London Gazette 6 July 1918