Collen | Edward Henry Ethelbert | | Lieutenant | COLLEN, EDWARD HENRY ETHELBERT, Lieutenant, was born 6 May 1875, son of Lieutenant General Sir E H Collen, GCIE, CB. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and was commissioned in the Royal Artillery 15 June 1895. He served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98; Malakand; took part in the action at Landakai; served during operations in Bajaur and in the Mamund country; Buner; was present at the attack and capture of Tanga Pass (Medal with clasp); served at Tirah, 1897-98, as Orderly Officer to GOC, October to 31 December 1897; afterwards on Staff; in the actions of Chagru Kotal and Dargai; at the capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes; reconnaissance of the Saran Sar and action of 9 November 1897; took part in the operations at and around Dwatoi and action of 24 November 1897; also in the Bazar Valley 25 - 30 December 1897 (Despatches [London Gazette, 5 April, 1898]; clasp). He was promoted to Lieutenant 15 June, 1898, and again saw active service in the South African War, 1899-1900, as Special Service Officer; afterwards on Staff; took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including those at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria; in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions Zilikat's Nek and Elands River (4 to 16 August) (Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]: Queen's Medal with four clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Edward Henry Ethelbert Collen, Lieutenant, Royal Garrison Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901. He was promoted to Captain 12 July 1901, and to Major 19 February 1910. He retired 12 February 1913. Major Collen served in the European War from 1914; was mentioned in Despatches, and given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 3 June, 1917. He was created a CMG in 1919. Lieutenant Colonel Collen married, in 1906, Constance Mary, eldest daughter of C J Cater Scott.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Garrison Artillery |