| Carpenter | Alfred | Commander | CARPENTER, ALFRED, Commander, Royal Navy, was born at Brighton on 2 August 1847, son of Commander Charles Carpenter, RN, JP for Sussex (died in 1883), and of Sophia Wilson (died in 1882), daughter of Thomas Wilson, of Waltham-stow. He was educated at Brighton College, and entered the Royal Navy in 1861, becoming Lieutenant in 1870. In 1879 he married (1) Henrietta, daughter of G A F Shadwell, and they had one son and one daughter. He was promoted to Commander in 1883; served in the Challenger Expedition (Albert Medal, 2nd Class, for saving life), and in the Sudan Expedition, 1884, in command of Myrmidon (Medal and thanks of the Admiralty). Whilst in charge of the Marine Survey of India, he piloted the War Flotilla under fire to Mandalay and Bhanio in 1885; was specially mentioned in Despatches; received the Medal, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 13 January 1887]: "For operations in Burma, Alfred Carpenter, Commander, Royal Navy". Captain Carpenter was for nine years in charge of surveying vessels, and his last service HM Coastguard, Cowes. He married secondly, in 1891, Aetheldreda, daughter of Judge Homershan Cox, formerly a Judge of County Courts, of Marfield House, Tonbridge, Kent. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1895, with the rank of Captain. Captain Carpenter was the author of 'Nature Notes for Ocean Voyagers'. His favourite recreations were billiards and golf, and he was interested in collections of corals, in meteorology and astronomy. His son, Captain Carpenter, RN, of the Vindictive, won the VC in the European War.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Navy |
| Cather | Thomas Plunket | Captain | CATHER, THOMAS PLUNKET, Captain, became Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, 15 December 1871, and Captain 15 December 1883. He served in the Burmese War, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 November 1886]: "Thomas Plunket Cather, Captain, Royal Engineers. For services in Burma". He was given the Brevet of Major 1 July 1887. Major Cather died in 1889.
DSO (gold), Afghan (3) Charasis Kabul Kandahar (Lt RE), Kabul to Kandahar Star (Lt RE), Egypt (1) Suakin 1885 (Capt RE), IGS 1854 (2) Burma 1885-7 Burma 1887-9 (Capt), Khedive Star. The following with DSO missing. Hamilton Mar 80 £1,800. Hamilton Oct 81 £1,475. Hamilton Mar 83 £1,327. Hamilton May 83 £1,194. Christies Feb 82. Spink Jun 85 £1,400. The following as a complete group. Spink Apr 2000 estimate £1,800 - £2,200.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Caulfeild | Algernon Montgomerie | Lieutenant | CAULFEILD, ALGERNON MONTGOMERIE, Lieutenant, was born 28 August 1860, 4th son of Lieutenant Colonel Montgomerie Caulfeild, Weston Park, Lucan, County Dublin. He was educated at the Royal Academy, Gosport, and Heidelberg College, and joined the 66th Berkshire Regiment 17 December 1881; served in Afghanistan; was present at the engagement at Giriskh with the Walli's mutinous troops at the Battle of Maiwand (wounded) as a Corporal, and subsequent defence of Kandahar (Medal for distinguished conduct in the field, and Medal with clasp). He, though wounded at Maiwand, saw to Captain Melliss, who was also wounded, being placed on a camel. He afterwards got a mule, and rode with Lieutenant Lynd, who was wounded, taking him to Kandahar. The late Sir John Slade, then in command of E Battery, B Brigade, recommended him for the VC. He was made a Sergeant, and asked, when the Distinguished Conduct Medal was given him by Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, to change his name from Sergeant Williams to Sergeant Caulfeild, and soon after was given a commission in the 5th Fusiliers. He served in Burma, 1886-88, as Brigade Transport Officer to Major General Sir Robert Low, KCB; was mentioned in Despatches, 2 September 1887, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Algernon Montgomerie Caulfeild, Lieutenant, Northumberland Fusiliers. For services in Burma". He was made a Captain in the 2nd Border Regiment. In 1889 he was serving with mounted infantry in the Chin Lushai country {Medal with three clasps). He was promoted to Major, 23 February 1898, and retired 27 August 1902. He served in the European War, as Second in Command of the Border Regiment, and was killed in action on 9 August 1915, at Gallipoli. The following are some details sent by relatives: The first is a letter written by the only surviving officer of the 6th Border Regt, 29th Division, who was wounded at Suvla in the attack on Hill 70, Gallipoli Peninsula, .10 August 1915: Mayfield, Freshfield, near Liverpool.
dear Miss caulfeild, I am sorry to say I can hold out no hope of Major Caulfield being alive; in fact, when I made up the return I felt I ought to have shown him as killed, but I could find no man that ever saw him again after he went off towards the fire on Burnt Hill—he went walking off towards the Turkish trenches as if he were walking down Piccadilly. Captain Gilbanks, who went off in that direction with his Platoon, was killed, and his Platoon practically wiped out. Any men of it that I have seen did not see him. It is possible that his body will never be found. I feel I have lost a great friend, and one of the bravest comrades it was possible to serve with; he did not know what fear was. I saw him down the front of the two supporting companies under a hail of bullets in a way no living man could forget. There is another point that may go to prove that he is killed; as far as I know he was the only man that wore leggings. Well, during the attack on Burnt Hill an officer called Blake, attached to the South Wales Borderers, who was next me in Hospital, said that on the 21st he saw as he passed a smartly dressed Major lying near the top dressed in leggings; of course he had no time to look, and afterwards we were driven off the Hill again. If I hear any more I will let you know. I am glad to feel I have been privileged to serve under Major Caulfeild. Colonel Broadrick I know had the highest opinion of him, and we all know that if he had chosen he could have obtained a comparatively soft job; but he preferred to go into action leading men. Please accept my deepest, sympathy. Yours very truly, G Darwell
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Northumberland Fusiliers |
| Caulfield | Gordon Napier | Captain | CAULFIELD, GORDON NAPIER, Captain, was born 27 January 1862, son of Colonel Robert Caulfield and Anne Lovell Bury. He entered the Army on 22 January 1881, as Second Lieutenant, 50th Foot; was transferred to the 24th Foot 1 July 1881; became Lieutenant, South Wales Borderers 1 July 1881, and Indian Staff Corps 23 April 1883. He served with the Burma Expedition, 1885-87, and 1887-89, and received the Medal and two clasps; in the Wuntho Expedition in 1891 (clasp), and in the operations in the Northern Chin Hills, 1892-93; received a clasp; was mentioned in Despatches, GGO 733 of '93, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 2 January 1894]: "Gordon Napier Caulfield, Captain, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in Burma and in the Northern Chin Hills". The Insignia, etc, were sent to India and presented 13 November 1894. He had been promoted to Captain, Indian Army, 22 January 1892, and became Major 22 April 1901; Lieutenant Colonel 1 June 1904; Brevet Colonel 11 May 1907, and retired as Colonel, Indian Army, 18 February 1913. Colonel Caulfield commanded the 17th (Reserve) Battalion Durham Light Infantry from 1914. He married, in 1902, Mildred, youngest daughter of Philip O'Reilly, DL, and they had two daughters.
DSO, IGS 1854 (4) Burma 1885-7 Burma 1887-9 Burma 1889-92 Chin Hills 1892-3 (Lt 1st Madras Infy), BWM, VM (Bt Col). Sotheby Jul 81 £600. March Sep 81 £1,575. March Aut 82 £1,325. Burman Oct 98 £1,975.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Cecil | Edward Herbert | Captain | CECIL, LORD EDWARD HERBERT, Brevet Major, was born on 12 July 1867, and was the fourth son of the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury and of Georgina, daughter of the Honourable Sir Edward Hall Alderson, a Baron of the Exchequer. He was educated at Eton, and was gazetted to the Grenadier Guards 30 April 1887, and was for some time on the Staff of Lord Wolseley, Commander-in-Chief in Ireland. He became Lieutenant 16 March 1892. On 18 June 1894, he married Violet Georgina, daughter of Admiral Maxse, and they had one daughter, Helen, and a son, George Edward, who was killed in action in France in September 1914. As ADC to the GO Commanding, he served with the Dongola Expeditionary Force in 1896, being present at the operations of 7 June and 19 September 1896; was mentioned in Despatches 3 November 1896; was given the Brevet of Major, and received the 4th Class Medjidie, the British Medal, and the Khedive's Medal with two clasps. He accompanied Sir Rennell Rodd in the special mission to King Menelik of Abyssinia in 1897, receiving the Star of Ethiopia and the Abyssinian Order. In 1898 he served in the Egyptian Campaign, which culminated in the fall of Khartoum and the conquest of the Sudan, being present at the action of Atbara and the Battle of Omdurman. Lord Edward Cecil was mentioned in Despatches 24 May and 30 September 1898; received two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "Lord Edward Herbert Cecil, Captain and Brevet Major, Grenadier Guards. In recognition of services in Egypt and the Sudan, including the Battles of Atbara and Khartoum". The Insignia were presented by the Queen at Windsor 1 December 1898. He served throughout the South African War, in which he took a prominent part as Chief of the Staff, and afterwards as AAG for the defence of Mafeking. Sir A Conan Doyle tells us, in 'The Great Boer War' (page 305), how, before the siege, "Baden-Powell, with the aid of an excellent group of special officers, who included Colonel Gould Adams, Lord Edward Cecil, the soldier son of England's Premier, and Colonel Hore, had done all that was possible to put the place in a state of defence". Lord Edward was subsequently Administrator of Marico and Rustenburg Districts (Queen's Medal with two clasps; Despatches, 8 February 1901; Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 29 November 1900). He returned to Egypt at the close of the South African War, and was subsequently for a time Sudan Secretary in Cairo. He was promoted to Major on 19 August 1903, and Brevet Colonel 29 November 1906, and retired 3 August 1907, with the rank of Colonel. In 1904 Lord Edward became Agent-General of the Sudan and Director of Intelligence to the Egyptian Army at Cairo, where his conspicuous abilities soon came under the notice of Lord Cromer. In 1906 he was appointed Under Secretary of War to the Egyptian Government, and in the same year became Under Secretary of State for Finance, jointly with Mr Mitchell-Innes, and in 1907, on the retirement of Mr Mitchell-Innes, he became sole Under Secretary for Finance, and in 1912 was appointed, in succession to Sir Paul Harvey, Financial Adviser to the Egyptian Government, a post which he held up to the time of his death. He had become Colonel, and had retired from the Grenadier Guards on 3 August 1907. The 'Times' says of Lord Edward Cecil that "it fell to his lot, in a country where, perhaps more than in any other, all questions tend to resolve themselves into questions of finance, to take a prominent part in nearly every question of importance which arose in Egypt during a period of upwards of ten years. As Financial Adviser he had to deal with the new and unexpected situation created on the outbreak of the war and the consequent establishment of a protectorate in Egypt; and it is in no small measure due to the tact and firmness with which the financial aspects of the situation were handled that the Egyptian masses have remained quiet and contented throughout the war. Lord Edward Cecil possessed in a high degree that aptitude for public affairs which is a tradition of his great family. Imbued with the highest ideals and always unsparing of himself, he was ever most considerate and loyal both to superiors and subordinates, regardless of possible prejudice to his own interests or advancement. To all with whom he came in contact his manner was always most cordial and utterly devoid of condescension. In him the British Empire loses a servant who worked for it with a single-minded devotion to duty and without a thought of self-advancement. To his friends in Egypt and elsewhere (and they were many) Lord Edward's charm of manner, ability to talk well and interestingly on almost any subject, and readiness to help and advise when asked, will always be a grateful memory". He died at midnight on Saturday, 14 December 1919, at Leysin, Switzerland, after a long illness contracted in serving his country.
KCMG, DSO, Queen's Sudan (Capt & Bt Major Lord Gren Gds), QSA (2) Tr DofM (Lt Col Lord Gren Gds), Ethiopia Order of the Star 4th Class b/b, Turkey Order of Medjidie 3rd Class n/b, Khedive Sudan (4) Firket Hafir The Atbara Khartoum (unnamed and local riveting). Glendining Dec 66 £370. Spink May 67 £445. Spink Oct 99 £10,000.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Grenadier Guards |
| Chancellor | John Robert | Lieutenant | CHANCELLOR, JOHN ROBERT, Lieutenant, was born in Edinburgh 20 October 1870, second son of E Chancellor, of Woodhall, Juniper Green, Midlothian. He was educated at a private school, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; joined the Royal Engineers as Second Lieutenant 25 July 1890; served in the Dongola Expedition in 1896, with the Indian Contingent at Suakin (Khedive's Medal and English Medal); in the Tirah Expedition 1897-98, he was in charge of the Sirmur Imperial Service Sappers; was present at the capture of Dargai Heights, of Sampagha Pass and Arhanga Pass; operations in Bara Valley 7 to 14 December 1897. For his services in this campaign he was mentioned in Despatches 5 April 1898, received the Medal and three clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 20 May 1898]: "John Robert Chancellor, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the recent operations on the North-West Frontier of India". (Insignia presented by the Queen at Windsor 25 June 1898.) He became Captain 20 May 1901; passed the Staff College in 1902; was Staff Captain (Intelligence), HQ of Army, 7 October 19D3 to 17 July 1904, and Assistant Secretary (Military), Committee of Imperial Defence, 18 July 1904 to 10 July 1906; Secretary (GSO 2nd Grade Overseas Defence Committee, 27 October 1906 to 29 September 1911; created a CMG in 1909; was promoted to Major 25 July 1910. He was Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Mauritius 13 November 1911 to 7 March 1915; was created a KCMG, 1913; was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Trinidad and Tobago in 1916; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 24 September 1918. Sir R Chancellor married, in 1903, Elsie, third daughter of G Rodie Thompson, of Lynwood, Ascot.
GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, Order of St John Knight of Grace, Queen's Sudan (Lt RE), IGS 1895 (3) PF Samana Tirah (Lt RE), 1911 Coronation, 1935 Jubilee, 1937 Coronation, Khedive Sudan (Lt RE). Spink Sep 93 estimate £3-3.5k.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Channer | Bernard | Captain | CHANNER, BERNARD, Colonel, was born at Allahabad 20 Sept, 1846, son of George Birdwood Channer, Colonel, Bengal Artillery, and Susan, daughter of the Reverend Nicholas Kendall, MA, Vicar of Lanlivery, Cornwall, cousin of Nicholas Kendall, JP, DL, MP He was a brother of Colonel G N Channer, VC, CB. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and joined the 3rd West India Regt, as Ensign 13 February 1867; became Lieutenant, 14th Foot, 14 March 1868, and Lieutenant, 2nd Native Infantry Regiment, 18 February 1871. He served in the Afghan Campaign of 1878-79-80 (Medal); became Captain, BSC, 1879; Colonel Channer married, 5 January 1881, at Sydenham, Kent, Alice Bovell Cramp, daughter of Francis Cramp, and their children were: (1) Bernard Gordon, born 7 October 1881, Major, 54th Sikhs, General Staff, Simla; (2) Guy, born, 12 November 1884, Major, 14th Sikhs, General Staff, Simla, (wounded at the Dardanelles, May 1915; proceeded to Mesopotamia in 1917; wounded October 1918, and on the same day was awarded the DSO for gallantry while commanding his regiment in action); (3) Keith Francis, born 18 February 1892, Captain, 30th Jacob's Horse, Indian Army. He served in the Burma Campaign of 1885-7, and was present at the taking of Minhla and at the action of Napeh; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 November 1886]: “For operations in Burma, Bernard Channer, Captain, Bengal Staff Corps”. The decoration was thought to have been awarded for services in connection with the raising of Mounted Infantry in Burma, and for services, with them on active service. It was believed that Captain Channer suggested the raising of the Mounted Infantry; and this was supported by letters, extracts from which are given below. The first is from General F B Norman: My Dear Channer, I sent your report, and also your note about raising a Corps of Mounted Infantry, to the AAG for submission to the General, and I supported your proposal. Yours truly, F B Norman.
The next letter was also from General Norman: I have received your scheme for a small Corps of MI, and at once sent, it on to General Prendergast. This was dated 21 December 1885. The final letter from General Prendergast, dated 4 December 1885 (Mandalay), says: I have read your interesting letter to General Norman, and am glad to hear you are going on so well. I have sanctioned your Light Horse...
Captain Channer was senior of the first batch of officers ordered to attend at Windsor Castle for the first Investiture of the Distinguished Service Order. He was very ill at the time, or he would have been the first officer personally decorated with the DSO by Queen Victoria. As it is, he was the first on the list of three summoned to the Investiture. The Warrant for the DSO, signed by Queen Victoria, was dated 25 November 1886. He became Major in 1887; served on the North-West Frontier of India, Lushai, 1889 (Despatches, GGO, 292 of 1889. Clasp); became Lieutenant Colonel 13 February 1893; served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-8, Tochi; Colonel on the Staff, and commanded the Base of Edwardabad (Medal with clasp). He was given the Brevet of Colonel 1 July 1898, and retired from the 2nd QVO Rajput Light Infantry 20 September 1903. In 1903 Colonel Channer settled down at High Bickington, North Devon. He occupied himself in all country sports, especially shooting and fishing; took a great interest in politics and all local affairs, and never lost his keenness for his profession, which he loved so well. Colonel Channer died at High Bickington 4 December 1918.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Bengal Staff Corps |
| Charrington | Eric | Lieutenant | CHARRINGTON, ERIC, Lieutenant, Royal Navy, was born 30 August 1873, youngest son of Spencer Charrington, MP. He was educated at Brighton and Portsmouth; obtained four first-classes at College as Sub-Lieutenant, and entered the Navy in 1885. He served in Zanzibar in 1896; in Benin, 1897 (Medal). He served in China (1900), with the storming party at the attack and capture of the Taku Forts, relief of and operations round Tientsin. He received the China Medal, and for services at the attack and capture of the Taku Forts was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 9 November 1900]: "Eric Charrington, Lieutenant, Royal Navy. In recognition of services in China". The Insignia, etc, were sent to the Admiralty, and presented on 31 January 1901, at Hong Kong, by the Rear Admiral, Second-in-Command on the China Station. He has retired from the Navy. Captain Charrington married, in 1905, Rose Evelyn, youngest daughter of Lieutenant Colonel St J Daubeney, and they had one son.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Navy |
| Clarke | Thomas Henry Matthews | Lieutenant | CLARKE, THOMAS HENRY MATTHEWS, Lieutenant, was born 15 June 1869, only son of Staff Surgeon Thomas Matthews Clarke, BA, MB, Trinity College, Dublin, Army Medical Department. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin (BA, MB, BCh, BAO), and entered the Army Medical Service 28 January 1897, and served in Kandia, Crete, in 1898, during the massacre of Christians by Moslems, taking part in the affair of 6 September, in which he was wounded in leading a sortie to the rescue of a wounded man, half the sortie party being killed or wounded. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 24 January 1899], and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 7 March 1899]: "Thomas Henry Matthews Clarke, Lieutenant, Royal Army Medical Corps. In recognition of services during the outbreak in Kandia, Crete, including the affair of the 6th September 1898". He became Captain 28 January 1900; was seconded under the Foreign Office; was Personal Physician to Prince George of Greece, 1900-03; received the thanks of the Cretan Chamber of Deputies, 1903; created a CMG in 1903; was a Knight of the Order of St Saviour of Greece. He became Major 28 January 1909; was appointed Physician and Surgeon, Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, 1 October 1912; became Lieutenant Colonel 1 March 1915, and Colonel 27 January 1918; created a CBE, 1919. He published 'Sanitary Work in Crete'; Blue Book, Turkey, No 1; 'Prehistoric Sanitation in Crete (Knossus)' ('British Medical Journal', September 1903). Colonel Clarke married Susan Morrell, daughter of P E Chaplin, of Washington and Paris, and granddaughter of the Honourable D J Morrell, of Pennsylvania, USA, and they had one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Medical Service |
| Clements | Ralph Arthur Penrhyn | Major | CLEMENTS, RALPH ARTHUR PENRHYN, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, was born 9 February 1855, youngest son of the Reverend Jacob Clements, Sub-Dean and Canon Residentiary of Lincoln. He was educated at Rossall, and joined the 24th Regiment 2 December 1874; served in the Galeka and Zulu Wars, 1877-79 (Despatches; Medal with clasp); became Captain, South Wales Borderers, 4 December 1880, and Major 24 February 1886. He served with the Burma Expedition, 1885-89, as Brigade Major (thrice wounded; mentioned in Despatches; Medal with two clasps; Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel; created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 30 May 1891]: "Ralph Arthur Penrhyn Clements, Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, South Wales Borderers". Insignia, etc, sent to Commander-in-Chief in India; presentation 4 November 1891). He became Lieutenant Colonel 1 July 1887, and Colonel 4 December 1896; served in South Africa, commanding the 12th Brigade, and as Major General on the Staff (Despatches; Queen's Medal and three clasps; King's Medal and two clasps); was created a CB 1904; commanded a First Class District in India, 1904; became Lieutenant General. He died at Quetta 2 April 1909. The 'Times' of 3 April 1909, says, in an obituary notice of him: "His first active service was as a Lieutenant in the 24th Foot, during the South African War of 1877-79. In the Kaffir Campaign he was present at the Battle of Newmarks, and in the Zulu Campaign at the Battle of Ulundi. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 26 February 1878], and received the Medal with clasp. Promoted to Captain in the South Wales Borderers in December 1889, and to Major in February 1886, he served on the Staff during this period as Brigade Major in the Burmese Expedition, and as APM. He was twice wounded in action, and was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 22 June 1886]; received the Medal with clasps, and the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel in July 1887. During the war in South Africa he served as Major General on the Staff, and also in command of the districts of Pretoria and Standerton-Heidelburg. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 29 July 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps. Lieutenant General Clements was ADC to Queen Victoria from 1896, and to King Edward VII from 1901. He received the DSO in 1891, and a CB in 1904. From February 1900, he served in India, where from 1907 he commanded the 4th Division at Quetta. He died 2 April 1909, after an operation for appendicitis". All through the "Official History of the War in South Africa" we get accounts of the services of this distinguished officer. On page 404 of Vol I we read that "while the affair at Slingersfontein was in progress a welcome reinforcement arrived. Major General R A P Clements brought with him the 1st Royal Irish and the remainder of the 2nd Worcestershire men of his brigade (12th), in all an addition of 18 officers and 874 men. Clements was immediately placed in command of the Slingersfontein area". On 29 January 1900, Colonel J Watkins Yardley tells us in "With the Inniskilling Dragoons in South Africa" (page 20), "General French left for Cape Town to meet Lord Roberts and arrange for the famous Relief of Kimberley. He handed over the command of the forces before Colesberg to Major General Clements. These now consisted of the 18th Royal Irish, Worcesters, Berks, Wilts and Essex Regiments, J Battery RHA, four 15-pounders, 4th RFA, two howitzers, Victorian Mounted Rifles, South and West Australian Mounted Infantry, etc, but early in February they were much weakened by the departure of all the Regular Cavalry, except B and C Squadrons, Inniskilling Dragoons, for Orange River, en route to Kirnberley. A Squadron, Inniskilling Dragoons, was attached to the Scots Greys, and left with them for Modder River. The Boers at this time were in great strength at Colesberg, nearly 10,000 strong, with many guns, and were most aggressive. They were daily being increased, whereas our forces were being lessened for the Kimberley relief. So General Clements was left in a most trying position, but he proved himself equal to the task". Colonel Yardley goes on to describe the fighting, throughout February, which, culminated in the capture of Colesberg on 28 February On 7 March the Inniskillings in advance seized Norval's Pont. On 20 March "General Clements started to march to Bloemfontein, via Philippolis, Jagersfontein and Fauresmith ... The columns marched to Bloemfontein without opposition, the inhabitants coming in and surrendering their arms. The march occupied sixteen days, the forces arriving at Bloemfontein on 5 April". Later on in his book (pages 222-3) Colonel Yardley tells us how, on 13 December, news was received of General Clements's disaster in the Magaliesburg, so headquarters, with the remainder of the Inniskillings, under Major Allenby, marched the same day in great haste with the 1st Cavalry Brigade to his assistance. Having reached Vlakfontein Farm, near Houtkop, a lamp message was received to move on at 3 am and join Colonel Gordon at Jaroosfontein. This having been done, the brigade moved on by Van Wyk's Rust to the Roodepoort mines, and by another night march to Krugersdorp. Being Dingaan's Day, it was expected that the Boers would attack Krugersdorp. The 14th Hussars joined by rail from Heidelberg, and the brigade marched at 3 am, with the 14th Hussars, Scots Guards and Dublins in support, to co-operate with General Clements to the north-west. "We heard his guns firing heavily all the morning. Near Zeekoehoek we came on the flank of some 2,000 to 3,000 Boers, under De la Rey, falling back west before Clements. Unfortunately we were too late, and they got away with some casualties. Bivouacking at Vaalbank, we started again at 4 am, but only succeeded in slightly engaging the Boer rearguard, which was retiring south-west. Colonel Gordon was now appointed to command the whole force, Colonel Hamilton, 14th Hussars, taking command of the Brigade next day. General Clements, supported by Alderson's Mounted Infantry, attacked Naauwpoort Hill, to the west of us". On 9 January 1901, Colonel Yardley tells us that "the Inniskillings, 14th Hussars, two guns and a pom-pom, all under Major Allenby, reconnoitred towards Breedt's Nek, and got into communication with General Clements".
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | South Wales Borderers |
| Climo | Skipton Hill | Lieutenant | CLIMO, SKIPTON HILL, Lieutenant., was born at Longford 24 December 1868, second son of Colonel W Hill Climo, AMS, and Mrs Hill Climo, Yateley, Hampshire. He was educated at Shrewsbury and Sandhurst, and was gazetted to the 2nd Border Regiment as Second Lieutenant 11 February 1888; served with the 1st Battalion Border Regiment in India in 1889; became Lieutenant, Border Regiment, 11 July 1889, and Indian Staff Corps, 14 September 1880 (24th Punjab Infantry). He served on the North-West Frontier of India 1897-98, taking part in the defence of Malakand, and in the relief of Chakdara. He was present also at the operations in Bajaur and in the Mamund country, was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 5 November 1897], was given the Brevet of Major 12 February 1899, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 20 May 1897]: "Skipton Hill Climo, Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services during the recent operations on the North-West Frontier of India". The Insignia were presented to him by the Queen at Windsor 17 November 1898. He became Captain 11 February 1899, and served in China in 1900, when he was present at the relief of Pekin and at the actions of Peitsang and Yangtsun; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 14 May 1901], and received the Medal and clasp. He served in Tibet in 1904, and received the Medal, and he was promoted to Major 13 February 1905. In 1908 Major Climo again saw active service on the North-West Frontier of India, taking part in the operations in the Mamund country. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 14 August 1908], and received the Medal with clasp. He became Lieutenant Colonel 13 February 1912. Lieutenant Colonel Climo served in the European War from 1914, serving in 1914 and 1915 in Egypt and the Suez Canal (Despatches). He served in Mesopotamia in 1915 and 1916, was mentioned in Despatches, given the Brevet of Colonel 29 October 1915, and created a CB 1916. He was wounded four times. He was promoted to Brigadier General 15 January 1916. Brigadier General Climo commanded the 24th Punjabis, 1912-1916. He held the Order of the Nile, 3rd Class. Promoted Major General for Special War Services 3 June 1918. His favourite recreations were polo, fishing, shooting and golf.
CB (mil), DSO, IGS 1895 (2) Malakand PF, China 1900 (1) RofP, Tibet (0), IGS 1908 (1) NWF 1908, 1914-15 Star, BWM, VM & MID, 1902 Coronation, 1911 Coronation, 1935 Jubilee, Egypt Order of the Nile. Miniatures only. Sotheby's Jun 85 estimate £140. Toad Hall Jan 92 £315.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Cobbe | Alexander Stanhope | Captain | COBBE, ALEXANDER STANHOPE, Lieutenant Colonel, was born 5 June, 1870, the son of the late Lieutenant General Sir A H Cobbe. He was educated at Wellington, and entered the South Wales Borderers (24th Regiment) as 2nd Lieutenant in 1889. He became Lieutenant in 1892; was transferred to the Indian Staff Corps in the same year, and served in the Chitral Relief Force in 1895; was mentioned in Despatches and received the Medal with clasp. He served in the Angoniland Expedition in 1898 (Medal with clasp); in the Expedition against Kwainba in 1899 (mentioned in Despatches). In 1900 he served, in Ashanti, was severely wounded, was mentioned in Despatches twice, and received the Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 April 1901]: "Alexander Stanhope Cobbe, Captain, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services during the operations in Ashanti". His Victoria Cross was gazetted 20 January 1903: "Alexander Stanhope Cobbe, Captain (local Lieutenant Colonel), DSO, 1st Central Africa Battalion King's African Rifles, Indian Army. During the action at Erego, on the 6th October 1892, when some of the companies had retired, Lieutenant Colonel Cobbe was left by himself in front of the line with a Maxim gun. Without assistance he brought in the Maxim, and worked it at a most critical time. He then went out under an extremely hot fire from the enemy about twenty yards in front of him, from his own men (who had retired about the same distance behind), and succeeded in carrying in a wounded orderly. Colonel Swayne, who was in command of the force, personally witnessed this officer's conduct, which he described as most gallant". The decoration was presented to him by General Mannering on 22 February 1903, at Obbia. In 1910 he married Winifred, eldest daughter of A E Bowen, Coleworth, Bedfordshire. He was a General Staff Officer, 1st Grade, India, from 1910. He served in the European War since 1914, been mentioned in Despatches three times, and created a CB, and been promoted Major General, and appointed a Temporary Lieutenant General. In Lieutenant General Sir S Maude's Despatch [London Gazette, 10 July 1917] he describes the capture of Baghdad, and specially mentions Lieutenant-General Cobbe's services. Lieutenant General A S Cobbe was created a KCB in 1917.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Cochrane | John Ernest Charles | Captain | COCHRANE, JOHN ERNEST CHARLES JAMES, Captain, was born 15 April 1870, eldest son of John Cochrane, of Edenmore, Stranorlar, County Donegal, and of Combermore, Lifford. He was educated at Sherborne School, and Trinity College, Dublin (BA, 1893; FRGS). Member of the Institute of Automobile Engineers. He joined the Donegal Artillery 16 November 1895. He was selected for service with the Lagos Hausa Force in 1895, and served with the Expedition to the Gold Coast Hinterland, 1895-96 (Medal and clasp). He served in West Africa in 1900; took part in the operations in Ashanti, and was present at the defence of Kumassi. He was severely wounded, mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 4 November 1900], received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 January 1901]: "John Ernest Charles Cochrane, Captain, Donegal Artillery. In recognition of services in Ashanti". The Insignia were presented by the King at Marlborough House 16 April 1901. He retired on 7 November 1900, and joined the Reserve of Officers. In 1902 he served as Adjutant, Imperial Yeomanry, in South Africa. He was with the Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, in 1903. Major Cochrane married Eileen Mary, daughter of Sir George Fottrell, KCB, Ballybrack, County Dublin, Ireland, and they had one son. He served in the European War, and as Temporary Lieutenant Colonel on the Staff, he commanded a Brigade of Artillery from 1915 at the Dardanelles; was in France, commanding the same Brigade, from 15 February 1916. He was a JP, Hants. His favourite recreations were hunting and shooting.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Donegal Artillery |
| Cockburn | George Murray | Major | COCKBURN, GEORGE MURRAY, Major, was born 9 January 1856, son of Admiral J H Cockburn. He was educated at Eton, and joined the 80th Foot, as Lieutenant, 11 November 1876, and the Rifle Brigade 30 December 1876; was Instructor of Musketry, Rifle Brigade, 7 August 1880 to 31 March 1883; Captain 28 August 1884; Adjutant, Rifle Brigade, 1 April 1884 to 31 March 1889, and Major 14 November 1894. He served in the Nile Expedition in 1898, being present at the Battle of Khartoum; was mentioned in Despatches 30 September 1898; received the Medal and the Egyptian Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "George Murray Cockburn, Major, The Rifle Brigade, The Prince Consort's Own. In recognition of services daring the recent operations in the Sudan". The Insignia were sent to the Officer Commanding, Malta. The presentation was deferred, and the decoration was presented at Kandia, Crete, by Sir H Chermside, on 3 April 1899. Major Cockburn was District Inspector of Musketry, Eastern District, 14 July 1896 to 21 January 1898. He served in the South African War, 1899 to 1901, being present at, the operations in Natal in 1899, including the action at Lombard's Kop, Defence of Ladysmith, including action of 6 January 1900. Operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June). Operations in the Transvaal 10 November 1903 to November 1901. He was in command of the 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade, from 28 August 1903 to 13 October 1901; was mentioned in Despatches (Sir R H Buller, 13 September and 9 November 1903) [London Gazette, 8 February 1931]; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, and received the Queen's Medal with three clasps. He became Lieutenant Colonel 15 October 1901; was given the Brevet of Colonel 8 May 1904, and retired with the rank of Colonel 15 October 1905. Colonel Cockburn married, in 1905, Alice Lindsay, daughter of Hasell Rodwell, of Tower House, Ipswich, and widow of Charles Reginald Orde, Rifle Brigade.
CBE (1st, mil), DSO, Queen's Sudan, QSA (4) DofL LN Belf 01, 1914-15 Star, BWN, VM, 1903 Delhi Durbar, Khedive Sudan (1) Khartoum. KRRC Museum, Winchester.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Prince Consort's Own) Rifle Brigade |
| Cockey | George Herbert | Engineer | Changed name to Bromwich
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Navy |
| Coker | Edmund Rogers | Lieutenant Colonel | COKER, EDMUND ROGERS, Colonel, was born 4 January 1844, at St Croix, West Indies, son of William Worthington Coker, Ash-in-Stourpaine, Dorset, and of Matilda Augusta, daughter of W Dewhurst, of Santa Cruz, West Indies. He was educated at a private school and at Addiscombe, and entered the Madras Army in 1861; was transferred to the 106th Light Infantry in 1863; appointed Adjutant in 1874; promoted Major and Lieutenant Colonel in 1881, and Colonel in 1885. He served with the Frontier Field Force in the Sudan in 1885 and 1886, in command of the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry; was mentioned in Despatches, received the Medal and the Khedive's Bronze Star, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 November 1886]:"For services at the action at Ginniss, 30 December 1885, Edmund Rogers Coker, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, Durham Light Infantry". Soon after the battle of Ginniss "most of the troops " (says Colonel A Haggard, in 'Under Crescent and Star', page 391) "were in a few days' time marched back northwards to Akasheh, and gradually to Wady Haifa, only a very small force being left at Ginniss to form the extreme frontier guard. This force consisted of the 2nd Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Coker, which regiment was encamped near the old fort at Kosheh; of my battalion of Egyptians, 300 men of whom took possession of Fort Mograkeh, the remainder being either with Hartayne at Akasheh, or on detachment under Frith at Sarkametto; of the Black Battalion, now under Gibb, and a few details of British Mounted Infantry, under a smart young officer named Tudway". He married, in 1889, Agnes Gertrude, daughter of Charles Meade-King, of Taunton. Colonel Coker's favourite recreations were shooting and riding. He died on 11 March 1914.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Durham Light Infantry |
| Coles | Arthur Horsman | Captain | COLES, ARTHUR HORSMAN, Captain, was born 7 September 1856, son of T Horsman Coles, of 73 Westbourne Terrace, London. He was educated at Winchester; entered the 3rd Foot (The Buffs, East Kent Regiment) 11 September 1876, and became Captain in 1885. He served with the Nile Expedition, 188-1-85 (Medal with clasp; Bronze Star), and in the Sudan, 1887-89, being present at the actions of Sarras, 1887, and of Toski, 1889. For his services in this campaign he received a Clasp; the Fourth Class Osmanieh; the Fourth Class Medjidie, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 8 November 1889]: "Arthur Horsman Coles, Captain, The Buffs (East Kent Regiment). In recognition of services during the action at Toski". The Insignia were presented by the GOC in Egypt, 29 August 1890. He was also mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 6 September 1889]. He commanded the Expeditionary Force, Uganda, 1893 (Medal and clasp); became Major, Warwickshire Regiment, 1895; Lieutenant Colonel, 24 October 1900; Brevet Colonel, 10 February 1904. He commanded troops in the Uganda Protectorate; was created a CMG in 1904, and retired with the rank of Colonel 25 September 1907. He served in the European War, commanding the 5th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (Despatches).
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Buffs) East Kent Regiment |
| Copland-Crawford | Peter Wade Grant | Major | COPLAND-CRAWFORD, PETER WADE GRANT, Major, served in West Africa, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 10 April 1896]: "Peter Wade Grant Copland-Crawford, Major, 7th Battalion KRRC. In recognition of services on the West Coast of Africa in the operations against the Chief Nanna of Benin during the period August to October 1894".
DSO, East & West Africa (1) Benin River 1894 (Major 7 KRRC). Spink Dec 75 £500. Glendining Dec 89 £3,000.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| Corbett | Robert de la Cour | Surgeon Major | CORBETT, ROBERT DE LA COUR, Surgeon Major, was born at Innishannon, County Cork, Ireland, on 1 July 1844, fourth son of Richard Corbett, MD, and Mary de la Cour, eldest daughter of Captain W H Herrick, Royal Navy. He was educated privately, and at Queen's College, Cork, and Trinity College, Dublin (MD, FRCS), and became Assistant Surgeon, Army Medical Department, in 1867. In 1879 he became Surgeon Major. He served during the Burmese War, 1885-87, in charge of No 5 Field Hospital; was Senior Medical Officer with the Bhamo Expeditionary Force, and Acting Principal Medical Officer, Upper Burma Field Force. For his services during the Burmese War he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1887] He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Robert de la Cour Corbett, Surgeon Major, MS. For operations in Burma". In 1887 he became Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel; in 1893 Brigade Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel, and in 1898, Colonel, Royal Army Medical Corps. He was PMO, Oudh and Rohilkhand District, North-Western Provinces, India. Colonel Corbett married Harriet Lucie, eldest daughter of Robert Gregg, of Cork. He died 24 March 1904.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Medical Service |
| Corry | John Beaumont | Lieutenant | CORRY, JOHN BEAUMONT, Lieutenant, was born at Croydon 21 August 1874, second son of John Corry, JP, and Margaret Corry. He was educated at St Paul's School, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich (Pollock Medallist), and joined the Royal Engineers 27 February 1894; became Lieutenant 27 February 1897. He served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, and took part in operations on the Samara, and in the relief of Gulistan and in the Tirah Campaign, including the capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes; operations in the Waran and Bazar Valleys, and other engagements (Medal with two clasps). He again saw active service in the Mekran Expedition in 1901, including the capture of Nodiz Fort, where he was severely wounded. He was the leader of the attack, and killed the opposing leader, Mohammed Ali Khan (24 December 1901). He was mentioned in Despatches; received a clasp to the Medal, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 2 September 1902]: "John Beaumont Corry, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. For services during the capture of Nodiz Fort". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, India, and presented at Delhi 27 December 1902. He was promoted Captain 1 April 1904, and served with the 3rd Sappers and Miners until 1913. He received the Delhi Durbar Medal, and later was sent to Somaliland to strengthen the defences of Berbera. In 1912-13 he was employed in building roads and bridges in Assam; came home on a year's leave in 1913-14, and was then appointed to Military Works, Bannu, North-West Province; became Major, 1914. He received his orders for the front to the Great War in August 1914; was delayed at Karachi and at the base; rejoined the 3rd Sappers and Miners, and reached the fighting line only two days before he was killed by shell near Sailly-sur-la-Lys 4 November 1914. He was a member of the Alpine Club, and climbed in Kashmir in 1911, making several new ascents.
DSO, Delhi Durbar 1903, IGS 1895 (3) Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Samana 1897, Tirah 1897-98 (Lieut., R.E. 4th Cy. Bo. S. & M.). Spink 25 Sep 01.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
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