Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"BALFOUR-OGILVY - The friends of the late Harry Lort Spencer Balfour-Ogilvy are respectfully informed that his remains were peacefully laid to rest in the Renmark cemetery on September 9." - from the Renamrk Murray Pioneer 13 Sep 1945 (nla.gov.au)

Harry Lort Spencer Balfour-Ogilvy was born on the 3rd of April 1876 in Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland. He lived with his mother Amy Maria Caroline (Dakins/Dakyns) Balfour-Ogilvy, Father Walter Ingelram (Balfour) Balfour-Ogilvy and his 5 brothers Ingelram Balfour-Ogilvy, Grahame Balfour-Ogilvy, Walter Mansel Balfour-Ogilvy, Frank Alan Percy Wyllie Wyllie (half) and Francis Wyllie (half)

His job before his service was an auctioneer. He was married to Jane Balfour-Ogilvy (formerly Keyes) on the 4th of March 1905 in St. Bartholomew's Church, Norwood, South Australia.  He was 38 years of age when he enlisted and had formerly served during the Boer War. He lived with his wife in Renmark.

Despite his extensive service, Harry did not fight at the fronts during World War I but spent his time in what is now Papua New Guinea, maintaining peace as a police commander. His appointment was terminated on the 7th of January 1919 in the 4th Military District (South Australia), marking the end of his military life. Throughout his service, he was awarded several medals, including the British War Medal, Star Medal, Victory Medal. These medals were awarded for his service in World War 1. He also received the Distinguished Conduct Medal,  for his bravery throughout the Boer War and was also Mentioned in Despatches during his Boer War service.

Harry Balfour-Ogilvy’s military service was filled with important duties and roles. He showed strong determination, especially during World War 1 and the Boer War. After facing health challenges that required sick leave he returned to his duties as district officer and officer and officer in charge of native affairs in Rabual and Bougainville. His military career ended when his duties were complete, and he returned to Australia.  

His military service came to an end and Harry returned to his family in Renmark, South Australia. Harry passed away on the 8th of September 1945 in Renmark, South Australia. 

Major Harry Lort Spencer Balfour-Ogilvy (1876–1945)

Early Life

Born on 3 April 1876 in Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland, Harry Lort Spencer Balfour-Ogilvy immigrated to South Australia in 1891 aboard the Hohenzollern. He was the son of Walter Ingelram Balfour-Ogilvy and Amy Maria Caroline Wyllie (née Dakins), and part of a family with deep aristocratic and military roots tracing back to European nobility including King Edward III.

He settled in Renmark, South Australia, where he worked as a cattle dealer, auctioneer, land valuer, and commission agent. In 1905, he married Jane Keyes at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwood, South Australia.

Military Service

Boer War (1899–1902)

Harry enlisted in the 2nd South Australian Mounted Rifles (2SAMR), rising from Trooper to Lieutenant. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM), Mentioned in Despatches by both Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener, and received the Queen’s South Africa Medal with five clasps. He was notably commended for bravery during the Karee Kloof incident, where he gave up his horse under fire to save a fellow soldier. He is confirmed as South Australia's most decorated Boer War soldier.

World War I

Harry served as a Captain and later Major in the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, deployed to Rabaul, German New Guinea. He was in charge of Native Affairs and led operations to flush out German resistance. He was praised for “unflagging energy, coolness, and tactful handling of natives.”

Connection to Breaker Morant

Harry and his brother Walter Balfour-Ogilvy were station managers at Paringa Station near Renmark. A young drover named Harry Harbord Morant, later infamous as “Breaker Morant,” worked for the brothers and became a close friend of Harry. Both Harrys enlisted together into the South Australian Mounted Rifles for service in the Boer War.

Walter, however, did not enlist with them. He joined the Victorian Bushmen’s Contingent, serving separately in the Boer War.

Later Life and Legacy

Harry and Jane had five children, including Elaine Balfour-Ogilvy, a decorated WWII nurse. He died on 8 September 1945 in Renmark, South Australia, and was buried in Renmark Cemetery.

Harry Lort Spencer Balfour-Ogilvy is remembered as a courageous soldier, a respected community leader, and one of South Australia's most decorated military figures.