| Tobin | Frederick John | | Major | TOBIN, FREDERICK JOHN, Colonel, was born at Withycombe Raleigh, Devon, 29 August 1856, son of George Edward Alexander Tobin, Captain, 2nd Queen's Royal Regiment, and of Exmouth, Devon, and of Louisa, daughter of Thomas Williams, of Lowdon House, Devon. He was educated at King Alfred's School, Wantage, Berks, and at the Hermitage School, Bath. He joined the Army 12 May 1875, becoming Lieutenant 12 May 1877, and served in the Afghan War, 1879-80, where he was severely wounded at the skirmish at Sinari. He was mentioned in Despatches for services rendered when in charge of retirement of detachments holding Spintange and Koochalie, etc, and received the commendation of the Government and the Commander-in-Chief (Medal). He became Captain 1 April 1883; was Adjutant, Auxiliary Forces, 15 April 1885 to 14 April 1890, and became Major 10 January 1893. In 1895 he rendered valuable service when in command of the troops stationed there, in suppressing the riots in Ahmadabad, and was specially thanked by the Bombay Government. During the South African War he commanded the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, 1899-1901, acting as Commandant at Smithfield, and taking part in operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900. Operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900. Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899—1900. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Frederick John Tobin, Major, Royal Irish Rifles. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia and Warrant were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India 30 January 1902, and presented by the Lieutenant General Commanding the Forces, Oudh, India, 14 March 1902. He became Lieutenant Colonel 21 July 1904, and retired 10 August 1907, with the rank of Colonel. He married, in February 1884, at St George's, Hanover Square, London, Clare Edith Georgina, daughter of Thomas Waters, of Birr, King's County, Ireland.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Irish Rifles |
