| Wilson | Richard Henry Francis Wharton | | Lieutenant Colonel | WILSON, RICHARD HENRY FRANCIS WHARTON, Lieutenant Colonel, was born 18 August 1855, son of Sir M W Wilson, 2nd Baronet He served in the Royal Navy, 1869 to 1874; and in the 10th Royal Hussars, 1876-96. He served in the Ashanti War in 1873 (Medal). He entered the Army 26 July 1876, and served in the Afghan War in 1878-79-80, being present at the assault of Ali Musjid and action of Futtehabad, affairs around Kabul and Sherpur, and march from Kabul to the relief of Kandahar and battle of 1 September He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 4 May and 3 December 1880], received the Medal with three clasps, and the Bronze Star. He again saw active service in the Egyptian Expedition of 1884, and was present at, the battles of Teb and Tamai (Medal with clasp and Bronze Star). He served in the Sudan Expedition of 1885 (Suakin), attached to the Cavalry Brigade; was mentioned in Despatches, received the clasp, and was given the Brevet of Major. He retired and joined the Reserve of Officers. He served in the South African War, 1900-01, in command of the 12th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, February 1900 to June 1901. He commanded Mounted Troops, Potchefstroom Column, 26 August 1900 to 30 January 1901. He was present at the operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, March, to May 1900. Operations in Orange River Colony, May to August 1900, including actions at Rhenoster River and Wittebergen (1 to 29 July). Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, August to 29 November 1900. Operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to March 1901. Operations in Orange River Colony, March to April 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps; was promoted to Major, Reserve of Officers, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Richard Henry Francis Wharton Wilson, Lieutenant Colonel, Imperial Yeomanry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented to him by the King 29 October 1901. During the European War he was Assistant Military Secretary, Irish Command, December 1914 to July 1916. Lieutenant Colonel Wilson married, in 1889, Annabella Margaret, daughter of John Forbes Drummond, of Ednam House, Kelso.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Imperial Yeomanry |
