Lieutenant Colonel Robert SKEENE, Procer

Ltnt. Cnel. Robert Skeene (1780-1819)

Robert Skeene (1780–1819) was a British Army officer who saw service in the Napoleonic Wars and South American War of Independence, as founder of the 2nd Venezuelan Lancers (2nd Hussars Calvary Regiment) in the latter. He had just retired from the 2nd Hussars and from the post of Riding Master and Commandant of the Maidstone Calvary Depot. He had seen active service and was holder of many decorations and campaign medals.

Early life

Skeene was the eldest son of David Skeene of Pitlour or Hallyards.

Army career

Skeene joined the army and was an ensign in the 19th Foot in 1795 and lieutenant in 1797. He succeeded to his father’s estates in 1799. In 1798 he became a captain in a newly formed regiment, the 59th Foot. He was lieutenant-colonel and deputy adjutant-lieutenant colonel for North Britain in 1802 . From 1810 to 1811 he was inspector of Calvary Regiments of the Highlands. He became Lieutenant Colonel in 1814, He was also Lieutenant Colonel of the short lived 99th Foot (Jamaica) from 1815 to 1817 and Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd Hussars from 1817 to his death.

Skeene died unmarried on May 1819.

Ref: https://www.jstor.org/stable/30087890?read-now=1&seq=4#page_scan_ta...

text by P.L. Baldo-Diaz May 2019