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Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Belfast (17214 Bomb: F. Costello. U Bty., R.H.A.)

D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901.*

* Costello is listed on page 44, under "Lord Robert's Mentions, Sept. 4, 1901" in The Naval & Military Press Ltd. book South African War Honours & Awards, 1899-1902. He is again listed on page 95 of the same book, in column one listing DCMs to the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery.

Thomas Lysaght, alias Francis Costello, was born in Killenora, co. Clare, Ireland, in 1874 and attested for the Royal Munster Fusilier at Ennis on 25 May 1893. He deserted on 11 December 1896, and attested for the Royal Horse Artillery under the alias of Costello on 19 November 1896. He served with ‘U’ Battery in South Africa during the Boer War from 21 December 1899 to 26 June 1902, and was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Sannah’s Post on 31 March 1900*. For his services in South Africa during the Boer War he was Mentioned in Lord Roberts’ Despatch (London Gazette 10 September 1901), and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his gallantry at Blakfontein. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 26 April 1903.

* Costello is listed on Page 32 of J.B. Hayward & Son's The South AFrican War Casualty Roll confirming his capture and release.

Note, Costello is listed below the highlighted name.

If anyone knows of Costello's DCM and KSA locations, please contact me as I'd like very much to reunite them.