Captain J A Halliday, 1914



This was the last photo taken of Halliday in August 1914 before he went to the front. He was born in London on 10th April 1875, educated at Harrow where he excelled at cricket, football and boxing. He went on to Trinity College Cambridge, winning the hammer-throwing prize at the Inter Varsity Sports in 1897. He joined the 11th Hussars in March 1898, becoming lieutenant in March 1900, troop commander in March 1905. He took part in the South African War in 1901 on special service, and afterwards on the Staff as signalling officer. He was present at operations in the Transvaal, Orange River and Cape Colonies, receiving the Queen's medal with 5 clasps.

He was adjutant to the 11th from April 1908 to Feb 1911 and appointed adjutant to the Leicester Yeomanry from March 1911 to Feb 1914. In World War 1 he commanded B Squadron during the retreat from Mons and was fatally wounded at Messines on 31st October. He died on 13th Nov 1914 in hospital at Le Touquet. He was buried close to the family home, Chicklade House, Salisbury. There was a firing party from the 11th and the last post was played. He was described as one of the most cheery, lion-hearted Englishmen that ever lived.


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