British Army General. Educated at Harrow and the Royal Military Academy, he was commissioned in February 1876. Posted to South Africa in 1878, as a transportation officer. Served throughout the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. His first battle was the disastrous British engagement at Isandlwana on January 22, 1879, when over 1,200 Imperial, Colonial, and Native forces were massacred by Zulu warriors defending their homeland. When the chaotic retreat was underway, Smith-Dorrien was one of only five Imperial British Army officers to escape. In his autobiography, he attributes his lucky escape to his revolver and a wild jump into the Buffalo River. Served in Egypt 1882-1887, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his gallantry in action. Participated in the Tirah Expedition of 1897-1898 in the Northwest Frontier of present-day India and Pakistan, to reclaim and safeguard the strategic Khyber Pass. Fought in Sudan at the Battle of Omdurman on September 2, 1898; the decisive battle of the Mahdist War. Posted to South Africa a second time, where he served from 1899-1901 in the Second Boer War; there he commanded a brigade and was promoted to Major-General. Returned to India a second time, in 1901, where he was given command of the Fourth Division. After service in India, posted in England where he held a number of assignments; principally as the commanding officer at Aldershot 1907-1912. Appointed an Aide-de-Camp to King George V in 1911. Promoted to General in 1912. During World War One he was given command of II Corps in the summer of 1914, and in December 1914 became the first commander of the British Second Army. On the Western Front, Smith-Dorrien led troops at the Battles of Mons (1914), Le Cateau (1914), the First Battle of Ypres (1914), Second Battle of Ypres (1915). In 1915, he was appointed to a command in German East Africa, but after a year he was forced to resign from this post due to ill health. Appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltor, 1918-1923. Retired from the British Army in 1923. Devoted much of his retirement to promoting the well-being and remembrance of those who had fought in the Great War. Published his autobiography, "Memories of Forty-Eight Years' Service," in 1925. His honours include investment as a Knight Grand Cross of the Bath (GCB) and Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (GCMG).