Captain James Cumming DeWar

Date of Birth - 13th January 1857
First Appointment - 2nd Lieutenant (from Militia) - 1st Dragoon Guards - 8th December 1877
Lieutenant - 1st Dragoon Guards - 19th February 1879
Captain - 1st Dragoon Guards - 2nd October 1882
Captain - 11th Hussars - 27th February 1884
South African War - 1879 - Zulu Campaign and operations against Sekukuni (severely wounded). Despatches, London Gazette, 16th January 1880. Medal with Clasp.


He served at Conference Hill during the War. Served with the Mounted Infantry of Russell’s Column as a volunteer throughout its operations against Sekukuni, and was present at the attack and capture of the stronghold, 28th November 1879 (severely wounded).

Private Francis Fitzpatrick and Private Thomas Flawn, both of the 94th were awarded Victoria Crosses for their gallant action in rescuing Lieutenant J. C. Dewar of the King's Dragoon Guards, who was attached to the 94th at the time. Dewar, who was severely wounded, was being carried to safety by six Native allies when they were attacked by about 40 Bapedi. The Native allies fled and the two privates who were left in the vicinity rushed to aid Dewar. One man carried Dewar on his back whilst the other covered the retreat and kept off the oncoming enemy.

James Cumming Dewar, 7th of Vogrie was born on 13 January 1857. He was the son of Alexander Cumming Dewar, 6th of Vogrie and Jane Elizabeth Cumming. He married Katharine Adeline Purcell, daughter of Thomas Purcell, on 29 July 1884. He died on 29 April 1908 at age 51.

James Cumming Dewar, 7th of Vogrie gained the rank of Captain in the service of the 1st Dragoon Guards and 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars. He fought in the Zulu War, where he was mentioned in despatches and was severely wounded. He was Privy Chamberlain to Popes Leo XIII and Pius X. He held the office of Justice of the Peace (J.P.). He was admitted to Royal Company of Archers in 1901. He was decorated with the award of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. He was decorated with the award of Knight of Honour and Devotion, Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

His last will he willed Vogrie to his youngest daughter to the exclusion of his son (who was left nothing in his mother's will either). Wonder what he did to up-set them.

Children of James Cumming Dewar, 7th of Vogrie and Katharine Adeline Purcell
1.Eric James Cumming Dewar2 b. 1889, d. 27 Dec 1948
2.Gladys Mary Cumming Dewar2 b. b 1891, d. 1908
3.Eileen Jane Cumming Dewar2 b. 1891, d. 18 Jul 1963
4.Katharine Vera Cumming Dewar, 8th of Vogrie2 b. 30 Jun 1895, d. 18 Sep 1975


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