Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : Major

Army Number : 46323

Unit : 2nd Bn (WW1), 1st Bn

Biography :

Educated at University College School, Hampstead, and at King's College, Cambridge, Ambrose Sturdy was commissioned into 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars on 15.9.1914, entering France on 9.3.1915. Disenchanted with life in the cavalry due to inaction, he transferred to The Leicestershire Regiment, and joined 2nd Bn in France on 7.8.1915. Placed on sick list 23.8.1915. Sailed with 2nd Bn on SS Clan McGillivray on 11.11.1915 to Mesopotamia. Placed on sick list 5.1.1916. He was severely wounded in both thighs at the battle at the Dujaila Redoubt on 10.3.1916, and was hospitalised in Bombay and then in London, taking over 8 months to recuperate. In April 1917 he was posted to the War Office as a Staff Captain, initially in the Cipher Office and then in the Ministry of Munitions, organising supplies to Russia. He was posted in June 1918 as a staff officer attached the cipher team at HQ North Russia Expeditionary Force, at Archangel, and during 15 months there he learned the Russian language. Awarded the M.B.E. (L.G.1.1.1919). Relinquished GSO3 on 26.10.1918. He returned to England in Sep 1919 and was Mentioned in Despatches for his work in Russia (L.G. 2.10.1919). Relinquished the temp rank of Captain on 25.12.1919. Though still walking with difficulty and wishing to be demobilised as 'unfit for duty', he was considered fit to stay in the Army. He joined 1st Bn at Athlone in Ireland. Resigned his commission on 12.8.1920. Joined The Dorset Yeomanry 12.4.1921 and resigned his commission on 5.7.1922 (a paper file on this is held in The National Archives, file reference WO 374/66263). Based partly at the family home, Trigon House (near Wareham, Dorset) in civilian life he was involved in several jobs. In 1935 he became Secretary of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce. He rejoined the Colours for the Second World War, retaining his work with the Chamber of Commerce, which became fairly dormant for the duration. He was serving at the War Office in summer 1940, and promoted Temp Major on 2.9.1940. He then served as Adjutant and QM of a camp in Leicestershire and also one near Exeter. Relinquished his commission and granted the honorary rank of Major 14.8.1947, having exceeded the age limit of liability to recall. On completion of his work with the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce in 1960, he was made Honorary Life President, and was awarded Russia's Order of St Anne and Order of Stanislaus (2nd Class). He died in 1980, aged 85 years.

Date of Birth : 8.2.1895

Place of Birth : Portobello, Edinburgh

Date of Death : 9.10.1980

Place of Death : London

Civil Occupation : Secretary, Russo-British Chamber of Commerce

Period of Service : 1914-22; 1940-47

Conflicts : WW1, WW2

Places Served : France, Mesopotamia, India, England, Russia, Ireland