Percy FitzGerald

Percy Desmond FitzGerald (1873-1933) was a cavalry officer and brigadier-general in the British Army. He was also a sportsman playing Polo and Cricket at competition levels.

Born in Australia he moved to Great Britain and joined the army, initially serving in the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment), and then the 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars. The highlight of his military career was as commander of the 5th Mounted Brigade during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.

Civilian life
Percy Desmond FitzGerald was born 18 April 1873 in St Kilda, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The son of Nicholas FitzGerald and Marianne née O'Shanassy. His father was member of the Australian Parliament of Victoria, having moved there in 1859 and established the Castlemain brewery.

FitzGerald was educated at St Mary's College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire. Becoming a first class cricketer with the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1897, and a Polo player competing several times for the Roehampton Trophy.

In October 1914, during the First World War he married Lady Millicent Fanny St. Clair-Erskine, the daughter of Robert St Clair-Erskine, 4th Earl of Rosslyn and Blanche Adeliza Fitzroy. The marriage was without issue and was annulled in 1919. FitzGerald died in Marylebone, London, England, 17 August 1933.

Military career
FitGerald's military career began with the Victorian local military force, but in December 1893, became a second-lieutenant in the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). While still a second-lieutenant he transferred from the Buffs to the 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars in January 1894. He saw service in the Second Boer War, being mentioned in dispatches four times and awarded a Distinguished Service Order in 1901. His Queen's South Africa Medal had four clasps, Belfast, Orange Free State, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek. Following the war, in December 1903, FitGerald became the Aide-de-Camp to Brigadier-General Michael Rimington commanding the 3rd Cavalry Brigade. Then in January 1905, he was promoted to captain. By 1913, FitzGerald had been promoted to major and was holding the position of a Brigade Major, Staff Officer at the War Office.

At the start of the First World War he was Grade 2, General Staff officer, He eventually became a brevet lieutenant-colonel and temporary brigadier-general, commanding the 5th Mounted Brigade in the Sinai and Palestine Campaign. During the war he was again mentioned in dispatches, and awarded the French Legion d'Honneur and he retired from the army in 1920.