| Birch | Edward Massy | | Lieutenant | BIRCH, EDWARD MASSY, Lieutenant, was born 12 March, 1875, son of Lieutenant Colonel E A Birch, MD. He was gazetted to the Royal Artillery 15 June, 1895, becoming Lieutenant 15 June, 1898. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902; took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; was present during operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria; in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900; served again in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony, on the Zululand Frontier of Natal in September and October 1901, and in Cape Colony, 1900-2. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Edward Massy Birch, Lieutenant, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 24 October 1902. He was promoted to Captain 2 March, 1901; was Remount Officer, South Africa, 17 November 1903 to 21 November 1904; GSO2, Mauritius, 1 July 1911 to 17 December 1914; became Major 30 September 1911. Major Birch served in the European War from 1915, as GSO2, New Armies, British Expeditionary Force, 10 January 1915 to 17 May 1915; as GSO1, 25th Division, British Armies in France, 18 May 1910 to 11 January 1917; was prompted to Lieutenant Colonel 1 June, 1916: was GSO1, 5th Army, British Armies in France, 12 January to 18 May 1917; GSO1, 17th Division, British Armies in France. He was given the Brevet of Colonel 3 June, 1918; was created a CMG in 1917, and a CB in 1919, and was made an Officer of the Legion of Honour by the French. Colonel Birch married, in 1917, Violet, widow of Alfred Evans Brown.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
