| Chancellor | John Robert | | Lieutenant | CHANCELLOR, JOHN ROBERT, Lieutenant, was born in Edinburgh 20 October 1870, second son of E Chancellor, of Woodhall, Juniper Green, Midlothian. He was educated at a private school, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; joined the Royal Engineers as Second Lieutenant 25 July 1890; served in the Dongola Expedition in 1896, with the Indian Contingent at Suakin (Khedive's Medal and English Medal); in the Tirah Expedition 1897-98, he was in charge of the Sirmur Imperial Service Sappers; was present at the capture of Dargai Heights, of Sampagha Pass and Arhanga Pass; operations in Bara Valley 7 to 14 December 1897. For his services in this campaign he was mentioned in Despatches 5 April 1898, received the Medal and three clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 20 May 1898]: "John Robert Chancellor, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the recent operations on the North-West Frontier of India". (Insignia presented by the Queen at Windsor 25 June 1898.) He became Captain 20 May 1901; passed the Staff College in 1902; was Staff Captain (Intelligence), HQ of Army, 7 October 19D3 to 17 July 1904, and Assistant Secretary (Military), Committee of Imperial Defence, 18 July 1904 to 10 July 1906; Secretary (GSO 2nd Grade Overseas Defence Committee, 27 October 1906 to 29 September 1911; created a CMG in 1909; was promoted to Major 25 July 1910. He was Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Mauritius 13 November 1911 to 7 March 1915; was created a KCMG, 1913; was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Trinidad and Tobago in 1916; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 24 September 1918. Sir R Chancellor married, in 1903, Elsie, third daughter of G Rodie Thompson, of Lynwood, Ascot.
GCMG, GCVO, GBE, DSO, Order of St John Knight of Grace, Queen's Sudan (Lt RE), IGS 1895 (3) PF Samana Tirah (Lt RE), 1911 Coronation, 1935 Jubilee, 1937 Coronation, Khedive Sudan (Lt RE). Spink Sep 93 estimate £3-3.5k.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
