| Belcher | Harold Thomas | | Lieutenant | BELCHER, HAROLD THOMAS, Lieutenant, was born 17 March, 1876, at Malvern, son of the Reverend Thomas Hayes Belcher, Vicar of Bramley, Basingstoke (late Head Master of Brighton College), and Annie, elder daughter of Frederick Neanie, of Selling, Kent. He was educated at Brighton College, and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, where he won the long jump in 1894, and represented Woolwich against Sandhurst in that event. He was a fearless rider and keen on hunting and polo; later hunted with the Vyne Hunt, and often rode in the Royal Artillery Point-to-Point races. He joined the Royal Artillery 15 June, 1895, becoming Lieutenant 15 June, 1898. He served in the South African War, 1899-1900, throughout the campaign in Natal, including the Battles of Talana Hill and Nicholson's Nek, and was present at the actions of Dundee and Farquhar's Farm, and during the Siege of Ladysmith. The following is the record of his South African services taken from 'Hart's Army List': "Belcher, Captain, HT (Royal Artillery).—Served in the South African War, 1899-1901.—Took part in the operations in Natal, 1899, including actions at Talana and Lombard's Kop (severely wounded). Was present at the Defence of Ladysmith. Operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June). Served during the operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900. Again in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 1901. Also took part in the operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal, September and October 1901. (Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; Queen's Medal with six clasps; DSO)". He was severely wounded at Lombard's Kop, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Harold Thomas Belcher, Lieutenant, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services dining the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and presented at Mooltan, India, 13 March, 1902. He became Captain 14 May 1901; was Adjutant, RA, 3 October 1904, to 5 November 1907; served some years in India; commanded a company of Gentleman Cadets at Woolwich. 1910-14; was promoted to Major 15 February 1912; held a 1st Class Certificate in Gunnery; was author of a book on Field Gunnery, and inventor of a special machine for instruction in ranging in use at the Royal Military Academy. He was promoted Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 13 January 1916. He went to France at the beginning of the European War, September 1914; served continuously since then with the exception of five weeks at home wounded, in the summer of 1915, till he was killed near Ypres, July 1917. Lieutenant Colonel H T Belcher had the Russian Order of St Anne (3rd Class with Swords). His two brothers, Captain G Belcher, MC, Royal Berkshire Regiment, and Major Raymond Douglas Belcher, MC, RFA, were also killed in action in the Great War.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
