| Brierley | Geoffrey Teale | | Captain | BRIERLEY, GEOFFREY TEALE, Captain, was born 14 July 1873, at Presteigri, Radnorshire, Wales, second son of Prebendary Joseph Henry Brierley and Mrs Brierley, of Whitbourne, Herefordshire. He was educated at Rossall, and was gazetted to the Royal Artillery 1 April, 1893, becoming Lieutenant 1 April, 1896, and Captain 7 March, 1900. Captain Brierley served in the Boer War, 1899-1902, with the Imperial Light Horse, and was severely wounded. He was present at operations in the Orange Free State, including actions at Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August); operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, 29 November 1900, including actions near Frederickstad (17to 25 October); operations in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 9 July and 10 September 1901, and 25 April, 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Geoffrey Teale Brierley, Captain, Royal Garrison Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 24 October 1902. Captain Brierley was Instructor, School of Gunnery, 12 November 1902 to 5 July 1905; Instructor (1st Class). School of Gunnery, 26 July to 11 November 1905; Adjutant, RA, 1 November 1910 to 31 October 1912. He was promoted to Major 1 April, 1914. Major Brierley served in France with the 1st Division, commanding 26th (Heavy) Battery, RGA. He took part in the Retreat and Advance on the Aisne; was present at Ypres, and was dangerously wounded 31 October 1914; was DAAG in the disciplinary branch at the War Office, August 1915 to February 1918, when he became attached to the Royal Air Force, and was employed in similar work at the Air Ministry. He became Lieutenant Colonel 22 November 1917, and was created a CMG in 1919. He married, 10 May 1916, Eily, only daughter of Inspector-General Coppinger, RN.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Garrison Artillery |
