This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Livesay, Robert O’Hara CMG DSO played for England Internationals: 2 : 1898 W+ ; 1899 W- Robert Livesay was born on 27 June 1876. Played as a Half back for: Wellington College, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Blackheath, The Army, Barbarians, Kent Profession: The Army; he joined the Royal West Surrey Regiment in 1896 and served in the South African War (Queen’s Medal with 6 clasps and King’s Medal with 2 clasps). Lieutenant 1902, Mentioned in Despatches 1902, DSO Gazetted 23 June 1902. Promoted to Captain 1903. Served on the Royal Military Academy Staff 1904-1908. War service: Recalled to service in 1914 as a Captain, General Staff Officer 2. In August 1915 he was posted to the Royal West Surreys as a Captain. Brevet Major from June 1916, and Temporary Lieutenant Colonel from August. Brevet Colonel from 31 May 1918, eventually Brigadier General, commanding the 24th Infantry Brigade, 8th Division, in 1918. Mentioned in Despatches 6 times. Awarded CMG 30 May 1919. Legion d’Honneur 5th Class in May 1917 and US DSM. Remarks: Played for Barbarians: v Hartlepool Rovers (8-8) v Percy Park (3-5) in 1895; v Bath (13-13) v Cardiff (3-16) v Newport (6-24 and 0-16) in 1896; v Cardiff (3-41) v Newport (5-17) in 1903. Served in the South African War 1899-1902 (Queen’s Medal, King’s Medal), DSO Gazetted 24 June 1902. Kent County Cricket Club. He died on 23 March 1946
Hello Gareth, I just joined today and I just saw this post. I own Livesay's sword and I did quite a bit of research on him. If you would like please PM me. Thanks Seaforth78
