Daunt | Richard Algernon Craigie | | Lieutenant | DAUNT, RICHARD ALGERNON CRAIGIE, Lieutenant, was born 1 October 1872, at Dawlish, Devon, son of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Daunt, of County Cork, and of Charlotte Isabella Craigie. He was educated at Haileybury College; joined the Royal Irish Rifles, as Second Lieutenant, 7 March 1894; became Lieutenant 1 February 1897; served with the Royal Irish Rifles in Malta, India, Ireland and South Africa. In the South African War he served from 1899 to 1902, on the Staff, as Divisional Signalling Officer, 3rd Division, South African Field Force, 1900. He took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900. Operations in the Orange River Colony, May to November 1900. Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899 to 1900; Transvaal, 1900 to 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April, 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with eight clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Richard Algernon Craigie Daunt, Lieutenant, Royal Irish Rifles. For services during operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented there. He became Captain 11 October 1902. He was Adjutant of Militia and Special Reserve 2 January 1904 to 1 January 1909, and was promoted to Major 5 September 1912. He served in the European War from 1914; commanded, as Major, the 2nd Royal Irish Rifles, from 18 September 1914; became Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 19 October 1914, and Lieutenant Colonel 27 May 1915. He was present at Mons, Le Gateau, the Marne and the Aisne, and the First Battle of Ypres; was invalided with shell-shock 4 October 1914; served in Flanders, June 1915 to 28 February 1916; was invalided to England, March 1916; returned to France, April 1917, and commanded the 1st Royal Irish Rifles till 27 June 1917. He returned to England on account of ill health 30 August 1917. Lieutenant Colonel Daunt was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. He married, 4 February 1903, at Tarporley, Cheshire, Ellen Georgina Ferozepore, daughter of Captain Cooper, Suffolk Regiment, and they had two children: Richard Hubert, born 31 December 1903, and Moira Bridget.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Irish Rifles |