Geoffrey was born on 8 May 1888 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire to Alfred a wealthy mill owner and Frances.

Learoyd was educated at Eton and the Royal Military College before being commissioned into the British Army in 1906. Serving in Britain and India as a Lieutenant (1909) and Captain (1914), he took part in the Charge at Shabkadar, during this charge Corporal (then Shoeing Smith) Hull saw Captain Learoyd, have his horse killed under him and become trapped under it. Shoeing Smith Hull immediately went to his rescue and amid fierce fire from the enemy he succeeded in freeing the Adjutant and brought him back to safety riding "pillion." Awarded the Victoria Cross, the Citation reads "When under close fire of the enemy, who were within a few yards, he rescued Captain Learoyd, whose horse had been shot, by taking him up behind him and galloping to safety. Shoeing Smith Hull acted entirely on his own initiative and saved the officer's life at the risk of his own."

The actions of Hull not only saved Learoyd's life but also created a genuine bond which defied any prevailing social norms and saw Hull act as best man at Learoyd's wedding when he married Eleanor May Alexandra Campbell on 16th October 1916 in India. They had one child during their marriage.

He died as a young father on 29th October 1918 in India at the age of 30. He was suddenly taken ill with influenza, and this turned to pneumonia, to which he succumbed in hospital. Geoffrey was buried in the Guides New Cemetery, Mardan. Plot 66.

Sources:

www.ancestry.co.uk

21st Lancers Regimental Magazine ‘The Vedette’