The New Student's Reference Work/Baden-Powell, Robert Stephenson Smyth

Baden-Powell (bā'-den-pō' ĕl), Robert Stephenson Smyth, British general and one of the dashing and popular figures in the Boer war (1899–1901), is the son of the late Rev. Baden-Powell of Oxford, and was born February 22, 1857 and educated at Charterhouse, London. In 1876 he joined the 13th English Hussars, and served as adjutant of that regiment in India, Afghanistan and South Africa. In 1887–89 he served in South Africa as assistant military secretary on the staff took part in the operations in Zululand, for which he was mentioned in dispatches; was employed for a time in Malta; and in the command of the native levies in the war in Ashanti (for which he received a star and was raised to the rank of lieutenant-colonel). In the Matabele War, he was chief staff officer in that campaign. In the Boer War, he was given command of the 5th Dragoon Guards, and with a force of 1,200 men was besieged in Mafeking, on the Bechuanaland frontier, from October, 1899 till the town was relieved (May 18, 1900), the general displaying great tact and coolness in the conduct of the defense. He afterward took part in the advance on Pretoria, and was given command of the South African police for the pacification of the country. He is now British Inspector-General of Cavalry, and is the author of a work on Reconnoissance and Scouting, Vidette Duty, Cavalry instruction, The Downfall of Prempeh, The Matabele Campaign and on Pig-Sticking or Hog-Hunting. He is a noted sportsman, actor and athlete.