Robert Kekewich

Major General Robert George Kekewich, CB (17 June 1854 – 5 November 1914) was a Victorian era British Army officer.

Kekewich was the second son of Trehawke Kekewich, of Peamore House, near Exeter, Devon, and the grandson of Samuel Trehawke Kekewich. He was also the brother of Sir Trehawke Herbert Kekewich, 1st Baronet and the nephew of the judge Sir Arthur Kekewich.

He was educated at Marlborough, and entered the army through the militia in 1874

Kekewich joined the Buffs on 2 December 1874. He fought in the Perak War of 1875-6, and in the Sudan, 1884-5, where he gained a brevet majority. He was employed as D.A.A.G. in the Sudan campaign of 1888, and afterwards as military secretary to the Commander-in-Chief, Madras, and was engaged in the operations in Burma, 1892-3.

He was promoted into the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) and commanded the 1st Battalion of that regiment in the Second Boer War. He commanded the garrison during the successful defence of Kimberley, during which time he came into conflict with Cecil Rhodes. In late September 1901 he was wounded in an attack by General de la Rey near Moedwil, but soon recuperated. He received the rank of brevet-colonel and was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). In August 1902 he was specially promoted major general after winning the Battle of Rooiwal in April of that year. He was appointed colonel of the Buffs on 5 October 1909.

On the outbreak of World War I in 1914 he was appointed to the 13th (Western) Division, which he commanded until his suicide, aged 60, on 5 November of that year. He was buried in St Martin's Churchyard, Exminster, Devon.