Interesting research project

[army historian]

I ran across this Scottish soldier of fortune who served in the 7th Magdeburg Cuirassiers at Vionville Mars la Tour in 1870. He was listed as a Lieutenant, wounded in the action, awarded EK2. Later 1886 created Baron Craignish, and Order from Saxe Colburg Gotha. He was commissioned from the ranks for the Battle of Sadowa (Koniggratz 1866)

Ronald MacLeay Laurentz Campbell, created Baron Craignish by Ernest II., reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, dated at Gotha nth September 1882, and by Royal Licence, dated 4th January 1883, granted permission to use the title in this country (England) ; born 24th December 1836. Married, 1st September 1862, Jessie Fanny Maleb, daughter of Lieutenant -General Alfred William Lucas, C.B., and by her, who obtained a divorce in 1879, had issue : — (a) Ronald, second Baron Craignish, of the Duchy of Saxe- Coburg, and Gotha ; born 6th April 1866. Succeeded his father 1897. {b) Colin, died in infancy. He married second, 20th March 1883, Charlotte Sophia,daughter of Charles Meeking of Rich- ings Park, who died l0th April 1889. He married third, 6th August 1892, Emily Margaret, daughter of Colonel Hugh Mitchell, Madras Army. He died 22nd December 1897.

Does anyone have any more information, ranksliste, or picture etc.? Cheers Captain Albert<br style=""> <br style="">

Edited July 24, 2010 by army historian

[Glenn J]

Some different details regarding first names and date of death here from the history of KR.7. He was severely wounded during at Vinville during the capture of the standard of the French 7zh Cuirassier Regiment. He retired from Prussian service as a Major.

Regards

Glenn

[army historian]

Glenn, are sure this is not Ronald's brother. There were two of them serving in the German Army. I found this photo of Baron Craignish (Laurentz in England). As you can see he is wearing a mess of orders. He was ADC to the Duke of Saxe-Colburg-Gotha. He was born 24 Dec 1836 in New South Wales, Australia. He died in 1897. Captain Albert

Edited July 26, 2010 by army historian

[Glenn J]

Hi Albert,

There is only the one Laurentz-Campbell listed in the 1870 Prussian Army List in KR. 7 (and indeed the whole Prussian Army) and just the one listed in the Regimental history. His service with the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is shown in the scan from that history. The same fornames are given in the Ordensliste entry for the award of the Iron Cross 2nd Class. It would certainly appear that it was Edmund who was present at Vionville and who won the EK2.

Regards

Glenn

[army historian]

Hi Albert,

There is only the one Laurentz-Campbell listed in the 1870 Prussian Army List in KR. 7 (and indeed the whole Prussian Army) and just the one listed in the Regimental history. His service with the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha is shown in the scan from that history. The same fornames are given in the Ordensliste entry for the award of the Iron Cross 2nd Class. It would certainly appear that it was Edmund who was present at Vionville and who won the EK2.

Regards

Glenn

Thanks, I believe you are correct - great painting. Captain Albert

[Komtur]

With greatings from my holiday in France:

[Komtur]

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[Komtur]

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