| Holmden | Frank Alfred Amphlett | | Surgeon Major | HOLMDEN, FRANK ALFRED AMPHLETT, Major, was born 9 April 1861, son of Frank Holmden (who died, 22 April 1910), of Marlpit House, Kent, and Lay Rector of Edenbridge, Kent, and Sarah Ann Holmden (who died 24 September 1910). He was educated at the Edinburgh University; the Middle Temple, London, and Jesus College, Cambridge, taking his degree of MB in 1889. He joined the Army, 18 October 1893, as Surgeon Captain, Bechuanaland Border Police; served as Surgeon Captain with the Mounted Infantry (Bechuanaland Border Police), in the Matabele War, 1893; he received the Medal. He served with the Bechuanaland Protectorate Division of the British South Africa Police, 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, and 3rd Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers, in the South African Campaign (including the Siege of Mafeking), 1899-1902. He received the Queen's Medal with two clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps; was mentioned twice in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Frank Alfred Amphlett Holmden, Surgeon Major, British South Africa Police. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, and presented there. Major Holmden served in the British North Borneo Protectorate, and resigned 8 May 1913. On the outbreak of the European War he was re-employed by the War Office as Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps, 3 May 1915; and was promoted Major 16 February 1916. He was formerly attached to the 78th Infantry Brigade, and as one of the Senior Recruiting Officers for Birmingham, was President of the Recruiting Board for the counties of Oxford and Bucks, in the 43rd Regimental District, and now Senior Medical Officer, British Troops, Bulford, and Major, Colonial Office Forces. Major Holmden married, 5 June 1906, Elsie Mary, eldest daughter of R A Foster, formerly of Tutshill House, Tidenham, Chepstow, and 29 Hans Mansions, London. They had one son, Richard Frank Douglas, born 15 May 1908, and one daughter, Eileen Mary, born 15 April 1907, died 22 April 1908. His favourite recreations were hunting, polo, and big game shooting; he had had much sport in the latter in South Central Africa, India and British North Borneo.
DSO, BSAC Medal Matabeleland reverse (Capt), QSA (2) DofM OFS (medal renamed), KSA (2) (medal renamed). Sothebys 1983 £300.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | British South Africa Police |
