Fargus | Harold | | Lieutenant | FARGUS, HAROLD, Lieutenant, was born 15 October 1873, at Clifton, Bristol, son of Frederick John and Amy Fargus. He, was educated at Clifton College, and was gazetted to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 25 March 1893; became Lieutenant 1 July 1895; was Adjutant, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, 4 May 1900 to 3 May 1904, and was promoted to Captain 5 July 1901. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, serving as Adjutant, 2nd Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. He was present at the Relief of Kimberley; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houtiiek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900, including actions at Colesberg (1 January to 3 February); operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Lord Roberts's Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's South African Medal with four clasps; the King's South African Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]; "Harold Fargus, Lieutenant, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The insignia were presented to him by General Lyttelton, at Pretoria, 4 January 1903. He was promoted to Major 1 March 1912; was Brigade Major, Essex Infantry Brigade, Eastern Command, 11 March 1912 to 4 August 1914. He served in the European War; as Brigade Major, Essex Infantry Brigade, Central Force, Home Defence, and Brigade Major, 161st Infantry Brigade, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 5 August 1914 to 24 April, 1916; became Lieutenant Colonel 17 April 1916; was GSO2, 11th Division, Mediterranean Force, 25 April to 17 May 1916; Brigade Commander, 125th Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France, 22 June 1917. He was mentioned in Despatches; created a CMG in 1916, and mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig's Despatch of New Year's Day, 1917, and two other occasions; created a CB in 1919, and given the Brevet of Colonel 3 June, 1918. He married, 7 October 1899, at Clifton, Bristol, Alice Gertrude Evans, daughter of J L Evans.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry |