Airey | Henry Parke | | Captain | He was born at Kingthorpe Hall, Yorkshire, 3 August 1844, 2nd son of Captain H C Airey. He was educated at Marlborough, and at the Royal Military College, Addiscombe; was gazetted to the 101st RM Fusiliers as Ensign in 1859; served in India six years, on the North-Western Frontier, and retired in 1866; also in the same year went to Australia, joining the New South Wales Artillery in 1878. He served as Lieutenant with the New South Wales Contingent in Egypt, 1885; ADC to General Fremantle at advance and capture of Tamai (Egyptian Medal; clasp, and Khedive's Star), 1885. Captain Airey volunteered for service in Burma, 1886-7, attached to Sir G White's Staff; commanded Gardner Gun Battery at attack on Hwai-Hwaing; was severely wounded, losing an arm, and was mentioned in Despatches, and thanked by the Governor-General of India. He received the Brevet of Major for distinguished services; was made Honorary ADC to the Governor of New South Wales, received the Burma Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 3 January 1888]: "Henry Parke Airey, Captain, New South Wales Artillery". The DSO was awarded for distinguished service, coolness under fire, and marked gallantry (His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, Burma, letter to the Viceroy of India). He was created a CMG in 1900, and became Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the Brigade, Divisional Field Artillery, New South Wales. He served in South Africa in 1900, and was mentioned in Despatches. He was promoted to Colonel. He married Florence Ada, youngest daughter of A H M'Culloch, of Sydney, New South Wales. Colonel Airey died on the 12th October 1911, at Panplaats, Transvaal, and an obituary notice of him appeared in the 'The Times' His favourite recreations were cricket (1st Eleven, Marlborough College; Captain, Addiscombe College Eleven, and Regimental, 1885-6; Captain, New South Wales Artillery Eleven); hunting and driving; Master of Sydney Hunt Club.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | New South Wales Artillery |