Richard Airey, 1st Baron Airey

General Richard Airey, 1st Baron Airey, (April 180314 September 1881), known as Sir Richard Airey between 1855 and 1876, was a senior British Army officer of the 19th century.

Background Born at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, Airey was the eldest son of Lieutenant General Sir George Airey and his wife Catherine Talbot, daughter of Richard Talbot and Margaret Talbot, 1st Baroness Talbot of Malahide.

Military career Airey was educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and entered the army as an ensign of the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot in 1821. and for his performance was made a major general in December 1854 and was awarded a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). Following Raglan's instructions, Airey issued the fateful order for the Charge of the Light Brigade. During 1879–1880 he presided over the celebrated Airey Commission on army reform. crest = Out of a mural crown Or a dexter and a sinister arm embowed in armour Proper the hands also Proper holding a cinquefoil Azure. supporters = Dexter a horse Argent bridled Proper caparisoned Azure and Or gorged with a mural crown Gules sinister a lion Or gorged with a like mural crown. motto = Je Le Tiendrai