Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

Captain Reginald Baird Trotter (1872–1915): A Family Hero Remembered

Photo credit: mortonhallgc.co.uk

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This is my paternal fifth cousin, four times removed — Captain Reginald Baird Trotter. He was the son of Sir Henry Trotter, Major-General, and his wife Dame Eva Gifford.

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Early Life and Education

Reginald was born on March 25, 1872, into a distinguished military family. Following in his father’s footsteps, he pursued a career in the British Army, eventually attaining the rank of Captain in the Cameron Highlanders.

He was educated at Eton College, where a memorial in his honor still stands today, commemorating his service and ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.

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Service and Sacrifice in World War I

Captain Reginald Baird Trotter was killed in action on May 9, 1915, during the Battle of Aubers Ridge in Pas-de-Calais, France. This battle, remembered as one of the disastrous offensives of World War I, resulted in over 200,000 casualties with no significant ground gained.

Like so many soldiers of the Great War, Captain Trotter has no known grave. His name is engraved on the Le Touret Memorial in France, alongside thousands of others who gave their lives for their country.

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A Reflection on Remembrance

For anyone who has visited the war cemeteries of France, the rows upon rows of white headstones inscribed simply with “A Soldier of the Great War” serve as a powerful reminder of the scale of sacrifice. Standing among them truly brings these stories to life and reminds us of the immense cost of freedom.

Lest We Forget.