MITFORD Clement

Name given as Freeman-Mitford on Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The following information is courtesy of the researcher of the casualties on the Blockley War Memorials:
Kelly’s Directory for the period (1912 for Worcestershire, 1914 for Gloucestershire):
The Mitfords (or, as they also were, Lord Redesdale and family), feature in Batsford as they lived at Batsford Hall and also in Aston Magna, where the ecclesiastical living was in the gift of Lord Redesdale, who was also the chief landowner.

Birth and census records:
1876 born Chelsea
1881 with family at house in Cheyne Walk, Chelsea
1891 with family at home in Batsford Park
1901 not yet found, but presumably at a military posting
1911 at Barracks apparently in India (the 10th Hussars were operating on the north-west frontier). Wife Lady Helen was also there, together with wives and families of other soldiers.

From The Distinguished Service Order records:
Freeman-Mitford, The Honourable Clement Bertram Ogilvy, Major, was born 14 December 1876 at 100 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, SW, son of Algernon Bertram Freeman-Mitford, 1st Baron Redesdale and Lady Clementine Gertrude Helen Ogilvy, daughter of the 7th Earl of Airlie. He was educated at Eton and Cambridge, joined the Army in Nov 1899, was promoted lieutenant 3 Oct 1900 and served in the South African war with the 10 Hussars 1899-1901. He took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, including actions at Houtnek (Thoba fountain), Vet River and Zand River; in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill; in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, to 29 Nov 1900, including action at Elands River; in Orange River Colony, including action at Wittebergen; again in the Transvaal 30 Nov 1900 to July 1901, and operations in Cape Colony, Aug 1901 (twice wounded, slightly and severely; Queen’s Medal with four clasps). He was Adjutant of the 10th Hussars from 14 May 1904 to 13 May 1907, was promoted Captain 10 Oct 1904, and Major 7 Aug 1912. Major the Hon C B O Freeman-Mitford served in the European War from 1914. He was mentioned in Despatches and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 1 Feb 1915]: “The Honourable Clement Bertram Ogilvy Freeman-Mitford, 10th (Prince of Wales’s Own Royal) Hussars”. He was dangerously wounded in the First Battle of Ypres 23 Oct 1914, and was killed in action 13 May 1915 in the Second Battle of Ypres. On 25 May 1909, at the Private Chapel, Cortachy Castle, Kirriemuir, he married Lady Helen Ogilvy, daughter of the 10th Earl of Airlie, and they had two daughters: Rosemary Anne Mitford and Clementine Mabell Kitty Mitford. His DSO was awarded “for services in connection with operations in the Field”.

From a Military Record, filed with the Medals cards
Major C B O Mitford, 10th Hussars
The Hon Mrs Mitford applies for the 1914 Star in respect of her late husband, 17/1/18.
Address 10 Queen Street, Mayfair
(then in another hand, presumably later)
Hydecroft, Fawfield Heath, Crawley, Surrey
These were presumably the town and country addresses of the family. Lady Helen was certainly at the London address in 1916 and 1918, when she was listed in the telephone directory (at Mayfair 3598)
Also written on the card, apparently justifying the award is: disembarkation date 8/10/14. This will be the date on which Clement was posted abroad (to France) – it is the date on which the 10th Hussars are otherwise shown as landing at Ostende.

Medal Index Card:
Mitford, Major Hon C.B.O. 10th Hussars M.I.D. London Gazette 17.2.15 page 1653