Major-General Herbert Aveling Raitt, K.C.I.E., C.B

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Major-General Herbert Aveling Raitt, K.C.I.E., C.B
VC, Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, Folkstone, Kent, England (also known as the Garrison Cemetery.
Photos by ADMIN. Text by 1879Graves.

"K.C.I.E. London Gazette 12 September 1919.

C.B. London Gazette 27 September 1901.

Herbert Aveling Raitt, who was born in August 1858, was commissioned in the 80th Foot in March 1878, direct from the 1st Durham Militia, and quickly witnessed active service out in South Africa in operations against the Sekukini, and afterwards in the Zulu War, when he was present at the storming and capture of that tribe’s stronghold (Medal & clasp).

Adjutant of the 2nd Battalion from February 1881 until June 1884, Raitt next served in Sir Charles Warren’s peaceful expedition into Bechuanaland, in the rank of Captain, and with command of a troop of the Diamond Field’s Horse. Attachment to the Egyptian Army under Lord Kitchener having followed, he was advanced to Major in February 1896, in which rank he was serving at the time of the outbreak of hostilities in South Africa, although he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and given command of the 1st Battalion in December 1900. Having earlier participated in operations in the Orange Free State and Orange River Colony from April-November 1900, including the action at Wittebergen, as Battalion C.O. Raitt remained actively employed in the same theatre of war until May 1902, gaining a “mention” (London Gazette 10 September 1901 refers), and the C.B.

Advanced to Colonel in February 1904, Raitt commanded the South Midland Division 1908-11 and, on promotion to Major-General in September 1912, was posted to India as the G.O.C. of the Mandalay Brigade from 1913-14.

Appointed G.O.C. Burma Division on the outbreak of hostilities, he held command in the Kachin Rising of January-February 1915, his resultant punitive operations receiving due recognition in the despatches of General Sir Beauchamp Duff, G.C.B., C.-in-C. India (London Gazette 4 July 1916 refers):

‘Unrest, which had been brewing for some time among the Kachins, came to a head in December 1914, and January 1915, when punitive operations were undertaken. The columns originally consisted of Burma Military Police, but as the disturbance appeared more general and likely to spread, regular troops were ordered up to Myitkyina .... In February, Major-General H. A. Raitt, C.B., Commanding Burma Division, proceeded to Myitkyina to direct operations. In the Kamaing and Mogaung Jurisdictions, and the adjoining un-administered territory, six columns operated during January and February .... Opposition encountered was in all cases successfully overcome, the rebel stockades captured, and the implicated villages destroyed. In the country north of Myitkyina two columns were employed during the latter end of January and throughout February and these were equally successful in punishing the recalcitrant tribesmen. The country in which these operations were carried out is of a particularly dense and difficult nature. Major-General Raitt especially commends a night march carried out by a detachment of the 64th Pioneers over intricate country, followed by a successful attack on a rebel village.’

Raitt retired from his command in November 1918, was appointed K.C.I.E in 1919, and died at his home in Folkestone, Kent 8th November 1935."

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For those who maybe planning a visit to Major-General Raitt's grave.

Walk through the maingate. Turn left walk pass the hedge and onto the gravel path. You will see the view above. Red line indicating grave.