Percy Laurie

Who was Percy Laurie?

Major-General Sir Percy Robert Laurie KCVO CBE DSO was a British Army and police officer.

Laurie was born in Sevenoaks, Kent, and educated at Harrow School. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the 3rd London Volunteer Rifle Corps in August 1901 and transferred to the Regular Army in the Royal Scots Greys in March 1902. He was stationed with his regiment in South Africa for the aftermath of the Second Boer War, and promoted Lieutenant in October 1903. In October 1909 he was appointed regimental adjutant. In August 1911 he became ADC to General Sir Charles Douglas, General Officer Commanding Southern Command, and was promoted Captain in October 1911, in March 1912 he accompanied Douglas as ADC when he became Inspector-General of the Home Forces, and in 1914 he accompanied him again as personal assistant to the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

During the First World War he served successively as assistant provost-marshal of a cavalry division and a corps. He was mentioned in despatches six times and in January 1916 was promoted Brevet Major and awarded the Distinguished Service Order.