| Pilson | Arthur Forde | | Captain | PILSON, ARTHUR FORDE, Major, was born 17 May 1865, at Downpatrick, County Down, son of Conway Pilson, JP, of Rathvilla, Downpatrick, and of Sarah Overend. He was educated at the Royal School, Armagh, and entered the Royal Dublin Fusiliers 9 May 1888; was Adjutant, 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 1890-94. He was promoted Captain, 20 December 1896; took part in operations in Matabeleland, 1896, and acted as Adjutant to the Mounted Infantry (Despatches [London Gazette, 9 March 1897]; Brevet of Major, and Medal); served in South Africa, 1899-1903, on special service, including service with the Rhodesian Protectorate Regiment and the South African Constabulary; was appointed Assistant District Commissioner, subsequently District Commandant, and afterwards Administrator, No 4 Martial Law Area, Cape Colony; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April 1901], awarded the South African Medal with four clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Arthur Forde Pilson, Captain and Brevet Major, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to Lord Roberts 18 January 1902, and presented privately 24 March 1902. He retired in 1908, and joined the Reserve of Officers. On mobilization at the outbreak of the European War he was appointed Second-in-Command, Depot, The Royal Irish Regiment, and subsequently Adjutant. The following extract appeared in the 'Irish Times' of 28 March 1919: "Mentions for service.— The names of the undermentioned, with others, have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered in connection with the war, etc—Pilson, Brevet Major A F, DSO, RP, Royal Irish Regiment". Major Pilson was demobilized 12 February 1919. He married, 14 January 1907, Aida Constance, second daughter of Robert St John Mayne, of Mount Sedborough, County Fermanagh, and of Mrs A C Ormsby, of Elm Park, County Dublin.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Dublin Fusiliers |
