| Alexander | A D V | Lieutenant Colonel | He was born 28 May 1849, son of G H M Alexander, ICS, and of Henrietta Ruth Maria Read. He was educated at Wellington College, and joined the Army 8 December 1869. He served with the Khyber Field Force in the Afghan War of 1879-80 (Medal); became Captain 8 December 1881, and Major 8 December 1889; Lieutenant Colonel 8 December 1895; was given the Brevet of Colonel 8 December 1899. For his services with the China Field Force in 1900-1, Colonel Alexander was mentioned in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June 1903]: "Aubrey de Vere Alexander, Lieutenant Colonel and Brevet Colonel, Indian Army. In recognition of services during the occupation of China by International Troops". Colonel A de V Alexander was later Officiating Colonel on the Staff, Rawal Pindi. He retired from the Indian Army 15 February 1908, with the rank of Colonel in the Army. During the European War Colonel Alexander served in the Intelligence Department of the War Office from 3 October 1914 to 23 July 1919. He married, in 1875, Mary Georgina Carter, daughter of General Sir James Brind, GCB.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Army |
| Allen | H M | Major | He was born 6 October 1867. He entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Welsh Regiment 14 September 1887; became Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps, 25 March 1888, and Captain, Indian Army, 14 September 1898. He served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, Malakand and Mohmand (Medal with clasp); again on the North-West Frontier of India, Waziristan, 1901-2 (clasp). He became Major 14 September 1905; was Brigade Major, India, 27 December 1904 to 23 September 1905; and became DAAG, India, 24 September 1905. Major Alien served for the third time on the North-West Frontier of India, 1908; DAAG, 2nd Brigade; operations in the Mohmand country. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 14 August 1908]: "In recognition of (his) services in the recent operations against the Zakka Khel and Mohmands: Hugh Morris Alien, Major, Indian Armv (to bear date 16 July 1908)". He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 14 September 1913, and retired from the Indian Army on 4 October following. In the European War he commanded the 7th Battalion. The Black Watch, serving from 1914-18. He was created a CMG in 1916 and died in the same year. DSO(EDV11), IGS 1854 (1) N E Frontier 1891 (Captn. R.E.), AGS (2) Somaliland 1902-04, Jidballi (Major, R.E.). Liverpool Medals Mar 07 £5,950.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Army |
| Allen | R F | Major | He was born 21 February 1860, son of Major R Austen Alien, MD, AMS. He joined the Royal Engineers April 1879, as a Lieutenant, and became Captain 1 April 1889. He served in the expedition to Manipur in 1891, as Field Engineer, Kohima Column, and CRE of the Force (Despatches [London Gazette, 14 August 1891]; Medal with clasp); was promoted Major 19 December 1897; served in East Africa in 1903 and 1904; in operations in Somaliland and the action at Jidballi, serving as CRE from 22 July 1903. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1904]; received the Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 6 September 1904]: "Robert Franklin Alien, Major, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the operations in Somaliland". He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 14 April 1905, and was given the Brevet of Colonel 14 April 1908; was placed on retired pay (Indian Pensions) 7 April 1909. He died 20 November 1916. He married, in 1886, Alice Gordon, daughter of Surgeon General Inkson, and left one son.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Aplin | P J H | Major | He was horn 18 December 1858, son of Captain P H P Aplin and his wife, Jane, daughter of C E Hanham. He entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant in the 86th Foot 1 May 1878, and was transferred 22 March, 1879 to the 15th Foot. He served in the Afghan War of 1879 and 1880 (receiving the Medal). He joined the Bombay Staff Corps 22 May 1880; received the Medal with two clasps for the Burmese Expedition, 1885 to 1889; was promoted Captain 1 May 1889, in the Indian Staff Corps, and became Major 1 May 1898. Major Aplin took part in the Somaliland operations, East Africa, from 1902 to 1904, serving from 31 October 1903, as Post Commandant, Lines of Communication. He received the Medal with clasp; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1904], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 6 September 1904]: "Philip John Hanham Aplin, Major, Indian Army. In recognition of services during the operations in Somaliland". He received promotion to Lieutenant Colonel 1 May 1904, and was given the Brevet of Colonel 1 May 1907. In the European War Colonel P J H Aplin commanded the 18th Middlesex Pioneers. He married, in 1905, Mary Bertha, daughter of Brigade Surgeon C F Oldham, of The Lodge, Great Bealings, and they had a son and a daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Barlow | C W | Captain | He was born 21 July 1868, and entered the Army (Essex Regiment) 24 April 1889, becoming Lieutenant 15 December 1891. He was promoted to Captain 29 January 1900. Captain Barlow served in the South African War, 1899-1902, taking part in operations in the Orange Free State, March to May 1900, including actions at Poplar Grove, Dreifontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), 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 Orange River Colony, June to 29 November 1900, including actions at Wittebergen (1 to 29 July), Witpoort, and Bothaville. He was slightly wounded; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps; was given the Brevet of Major 22 August 1902, and was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 29 July 1902]. Major Barlow was employed with the West African Frontier Force from January 1903 to August 1907, taking part in 1903 in the Sokoto-Burmi operations, for which he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 24 January 1905]; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 24 January 1905]: "Charles Wynn Barlow, Captain and Brevet Major, The Essex Regiment (employed with the West African Frontier Force. In recognition of services during the Sokoto-Burmi operations, Northern Nigeria, 1903". He became Major, Essex Regiment 23 February 1908. He again saw active service in the European War. He was attached to the General Staff (graded as GS02), Reserve Centre, 28 September 1915 to 9 October 1916, and was GS02, Northern District, Irish Command, 13 October 1916 to 23 September 1918, when he was appointed GSO2, with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. He was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 3 June 1917.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Essex Regiment |
| Beresford | J G H H de | Major | He was born 5 December 1866, son of the 3rd Baron Decies and Catharine Anne, daughter of William Dent, RN, of Shortflatt Tower, Northumberland. He was educated at Eton, and entered the 7th Hussars 5 February 1887. He was ADC to Lord Connemara (then Governor of Madras), and Adjutant of the 7th Hussars, and served as ADC to HRH The Duke of Connaught, 1894-1900; served under General Plumer in the operations against the Matabele in 1896 (Despatches [London Gazette, 9 March 1897]). Captain the Honourable J G H H de la P Beresford commanded the 37th Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa in 1902, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Medal). He became Major 26 June 1903, and as Lieutenant Colonel commanded the Tribal Horse in Somaliland, 1903-4, where he was also employed as a Special Service Officer; was present at the action of Jidballi. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1904]; and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 6 September 1904]: "The Honourable John Graham Hope Horsley Beresford, Major, 7 Hussars. In recognition of services during the operations in Somaliland". He succeeded his brother as 5th Baron Decies (created 1912) in 1910, and on 12 February 1910, retired from the 7th Hussars. Lord Decies became Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the South Irish Horse in 1912. He was a Representative Peer for Ireland, and was appointed a Privy Councillor for Ireland in 1918. He belonged to the Military Order of Spain. His recreations were cricket, hunting, and polo and racing. In 1911, he married Helen Vivien, daughter of George Jay Gould and Edith M Gould (nee Kingdon), and they had one son, the Honourable Arthur George Marcus Douglas de la Poer Beresford, born 25 April 1915, and two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 7th (The Queen's Own) Hussars |
| Birdwood | W R | Colonel | He was born 13 September 1865, eldest surviving son of H M Birdwood, CSI, JP, LLD, MA (Cantab), ICS, and of Edith, eldest daughter of Surgeon Major Elijah Impey, Bombay Horse Artillery. He was educated at Clifton College and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and became Lieutenant, 4th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, in March 1883; was transferred to the 12th Lancers 9 May 1885, and to the 11th Bengal Lancers 20 December 1886. He served in Hazara in 1891 (Medal with clasp); in Isazai Campaign, 1892; was Adjutant, Viceroy's Bodyguard, 1893. He became Captain 9 May 1896. Served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98; took part in the operations on the Samana (Medal with two clasps); served at Tirah, 1897-98, as Orderly Officer, 2nd Division (13 October to 17 December 1897); afterwards on the Staff; was present in the actions of Chagru Kotal and Dargai, and capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes; in the reconnaissance of the Saran Sar and action of 9 November 1897; during the operations in the Waran Valley and action of 16 November 1897 also at and around Dwatoi and action of 24 November 1897; and in the Bara Valley 7 to 14 December 1897 (Despatches [London Gazette, 7 June 1898]; clasp). He served in the South African War, 1899-1902; special service, South Africa, 8 November 1899 to 9 January 1900; Brigade Major, South Africa, 10 January to 14 October 1900; DAAG, South Africa, 15 October 1900 to 4 June 1902; Military Secretary to the GOC-in-C, Forces in South Africa (General Lord Kitchener), 5 June to 12 July 1902; specially employed, Headquarters of Army, 13 July to 28 October 1902. He took part in the operations in Natal, 1899; was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; in the operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; during operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900) and action at Pieter's Hill; served during operations in Natal (March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); took part in the operations in the Transvaal, June 1900; also in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 2? November 1900 (severely wounded—horse killed), including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8 September; in Orange River Colony and Cape Colony, November 1900; again in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Cape Colony 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902 (Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901 (Sir R H Buller, 30 March 19 June and 9 November 1900), and London Gazette, 29 July 1902]; Brevets of Major, 29 November 1903, and Lieutenant Colonel, 26 June 1902; (Queen's Medal with six clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). From 25 November 1902 to 31 August 1904, he was Assistant Military Secretary and Persian Interpreter to the Commander-in-Chief, East Indies; was promoted Major 9 May 1903, and Lieutenant Colonel 1 September 1904; was AAG, HQ, India, 1 September 1904 to 21 December 1905; became Colonel 26 June 1905; Military Secretary to Commander-in-Chief, East Indies, 22 December 1905 to 27 June 1909; ADC to the King 14 February 1906. He was Chief Staff Officer, Mohmand Field Force, 10 May to 3 June 1908, and took part in the operations in the Mohmand Country. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 14 August 1908]; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 14 August 1908]: "William Riddell Birdwood, Colonel, CIE, ADC, Indian Army. In recognition of ... services in connection with the recent operations against the Zakka Khel and Mohmands … to bear date 16 July 1908)". He was created a CIE in 1908, and a CSI in 1910. He became Brigadier General; was Brigade Commander (Colonel on Staff), India, 28 June 1900 to 31 May 1911; "Brigade Commander, India, 1 June 1911 to 3 May 1012. He was created a CB in 1911, and promoted Major General 3 October 1911; was QMG, India, 4 May to 16 November 1912; Secretary to the Government of India in the Army Department and Member of the Governor-General's Legislative Council 4 May 1912 to 11 December 1914. He was created a KCMG in 1914. Major General Sir W E Birdwood served in the-European War from 1914. He was Temporary Lieutenant General 12 December 1914 to 27 October 1915, and was in command of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 12 February 1914 to 18 November 1915, being in command of the detached landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on Gallipoli above Gaba Tepe. He was made in 1915 a KCSI, and on 18 September 1915 was appointed by the Commonwealth Government GOC of the Australian Imperial Force. He was GOC-in-Chief, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force 17 to 26 October 1915; was promoted Lieutenant General 28 October 1915; was Commander of the Dardanelles Army, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 19 November 1915 to January 1916; Army Corps Commander, Australian Army Corps, British Armies in France, from 1916 to 30 May 1918. He became General 23 October 1917, and was appointed ADC General to the King 3 November 1917. He became Commander of the 5th Army, British Armies in France, 31 May 1918. He was wounded in the Great War, and for his services was mentioned in Despatches; was created a KCB in 1917 and a GCMG and a Baronet in 1919. He became Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, and received the French Croix de Guerre; was made Grand Officer of the Crown of Belgium, and received the Belgian Croix de Guerre. General Sir William Birdwood married, in 1894, Jeannette Hope Gonville, eldest daughter of Colonel Sir B P Bromhead, CB, 4th Baronet, of Thurlby Hall, Lincoln, and Annie (died, 1902), daughter of the Reverend J Smith, and they had one son, Christopher Bromhead, and two daughters: Constance and Judith.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Army |
| Breading | G R | Captain | He was born 2 October 1877; he was slightly wounded at Jidballi and had the Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 6 September 1904]: "Captain George Remington Breading, The Worcestershire Regiment (employed with the King's African Rifles). In recognition of services during the operations in Somaliland". He served with the West African Frontier Force, 1903-10, and saw war service in Somaliland, 1908 to 1910 (clasp), becoming Temporary Major and Second-in-Command, King's African Rifles, 29 September 1909. He retired from the Worcestershire Regiment as Captain; became Major 23 January 1917, Reserve of Officers, Worcestershire Regiment (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in the Army); was Temporary Major, Somaliland Camel Corps.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Worcestershire Regiment |
| Bridges | G T M | Captain | He was born 20 August 1871, son of Major T W Bridges, Royal (late Bengal) Artillery, and Mary Ann, daughter of F T Philippi. He was educated at Newton College; joined the Royal Artillery 19 February 1892, and was promoted Lieutenant 19 February 1895. He was employed with the Central African Rifles for a few months in 1899, and became Captain 5 April 1900. He served in South Africa, 1899-1901, with the Imperial Light Horse, and as Commandant, Hanover Road, being present at the Belief of Ladysmith; operations in the Transvaal, April to July 1901 (in command of the 5th and 6th West Australian Mounted Infantry, May to July 1901); operations in Orange River Colony, August to September 1901, and October to November 1901; operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal in September and October 1901; operations in Cape Colony 30 November 1900 to March 1901. For his services in the Boer War he was given the Brevet of Major 22 August 1902; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette 8 February 1901, and 29 July 1902], and received the Queen's Medal with six clasps. He served in Somaliland, as Special Service Officer, 1902-4; raised and commanded the Tribal Horse, and was severely wounded; took part in the action at Jidballi. He was specially mentioned in Despatches; received the Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 6 September 1904]: "George Tom Molesworth Bridges, Captain and Brevet Major, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in Somaliland". He was Staff Captain, and later GSO3, Headquarters of Army, from February to November 1907, and Instructor, Cavalry School, December 1907 to June 1908. He was promoted to Major, 4th Dragoon Guards, 19 August 1908, and served as Military Attache at The Hague, Brussels, Copenhagen and Christiania from March 1910 to March 1914; became Lieutenant Colonel, 4th Hussars, 20 September 1914. He had a very distinguished record in the European War, in which he served, in turn, as the Head of the Military Mission with the Belgian Field Army: in command of the 19th Division, from December 1915 to October 1917, except from April to June 1917, when he was a Military Member of Mr Balfour's Mission to USA; as Head of the British War Mission to USA in 1918; as Chief of the British Military Mission to the Army of the Orient 9 January 1920. He was wounded three times; was given the Brevet of Colonel 1 January 1916; was promoted Major General for distinguished service 1 January 1917, and Temporary Lieutenant General, April to June 1917, and again in January 1919. He was created a CMG in 1915, a CB in 1918, and a KCMG in 1919, and has the following foreign orders, viz: Officer of Leopold, Grand Croix do la Couronne, Medaille de Guerre (Belgian), and Officer of the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre with two Palms (French), and the American Distinguished Service Medal. Lieutenant General Sir G T M Bridges was also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He married, in 1908, Janet Florence, widow of Major W Marshall, Grenadier Guards, and daughter of G Menzies, of Haliburton House, Perth.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
| Browne | C M | Lieutenant | He was born 25 January 1875, son of Walter J Browne, Indian Telegraphs, and of Mrs Browne. He joined the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers in 1895, and became Lieutenant, 6th Royal Fusiliers, 29 July 1899; served with the West African Frontier Force, and in 1900 took part in the Munshi Expedition, Northern Nigeria (Medal with clasp). He became Captain 19 October 1900. He served in the Burmi-Sokoto operations in 1903, in Northern Nigeria, and was severely wounded. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 24 January 1905]; received a Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 24 January 1905]: "Walter Hamilton Browne, Captain, 6th Battalion The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (3rd Class Resident, Northern Nigeria). In recognition of services during the Sokoto-Burmi operations, Northern Nigeria, 1903". He retired from the Army with the rank of Captain; became Major, Special Reserve, 20 August 1907, and subsequently retired from the Reserve. Major W Hamilton Browne was transferred to the Provincial Administration, Northern Nigeria, 1904, and promoted 2nd Class Resident, 1909. He married, in 1900, Lilian Cecelia, daughter of J H Righton, of Bedford, and they had two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Browne | W H | Captain | He was born 26 November 1878, son of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Michael Browne and of Sarah Josephine Browne. He was educated at the United Services College, Westward Ho! and joined the Army on 23 December 1897, as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, in which he was promoted Lieutenant 23 December 1900. He served in Waziristan, 1901-2 (Medal and clasp), and for his services in the operations against the Darwesh Khels, 1902, was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, June 1903], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order for the same services [London Gazette, 3 July 1903]: "Charles Michael Browne, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. For operations against the Darwesh Khel Waziris". He was promoted Captain 23 December 1906; Major 30 October 1914. Major C M Browne served in the European War; he was Adjutant, Royal Engineers, 7 November 1914 to 1915; Acting Lieutenant Colonel, September 1916 to May 1917, and again 2 June 1917. For his services he was four times mentioned in Despatches; given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1916; created a CMG, 1918, and made a Knight of the Legion of Honour by the French. Lieutenant Colonel Browne also served in the Russian Relief Force, 1919, and was awarded the Order of St Anne, 2nd Class, by the Russians. He married, in 1905, Isabel, daughter of Gilbert Lovell Nicolay, and has one son: Charles Gordon Knight, born 27 April 1909.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) |
| Bru De Wold | H M | Colonel | He was born 25 Aug 1842, son of Hans C Bru-de-Wold, of Trondhjem, Norway. He was educated at the Naval College, Norway. He joined the Volunteer Forces Natal, in 1873; served in the Zulu Campaign of 1878-79, with the Alexandra Mounted Rifles (Medal and clasp), and became Lieutenant, Alexandra Mounted Rifles, 7 August 1882. He served in the Boer War, 1899-1902, as Chief Staff Officer, Natal Volunteer Force. He took part in operations in Natal, 1899, including the actions at Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop; defence of Ladysmith (severely wounded), including action of 6 January 1900; operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to October 1900; operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal, September and October 1901; in command of the Natal Volunteer Brigade 10 April to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901 (Sir G S White, 2 December 1899, and 25 March 1900), and London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and was created a CMG. He was promoted Colonel 1 July 1905, and on the outbreak of the Natal Native Rebellion, as Commandant of the Natal Militia, he took command of all troops operating, and carried the campaign to a satisfactory end. He received the Natal Native Rebellion Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 28 June 1907] "For services during the Native Rebellion in Natal, 1906: Hilmar Theodore Bru-de-Wold, CMG, Commandant, Local Forces, Natal". On 25 August 1907, he retired to the Staff Supernumerary List at the age of 65. He had the Volunteer Decoration. Colonel Bru-de-Wold died 8 September 1913. He married (1st), in 1871, Sarah (died 1892), eldest daughter of John Bazley, of Natal, and their children were: Jane Bernardine, born 30 April 1873 (married A H Borgnis, Lieutenant, 3rd SAMR), and Thorkill Walhan Brue-de-Wold, born 26 January 1879 (Lieutenant, South African Infantry; killed at Delville Wood). He married (2ndly), in 1895, Helen Mary, daughter of J D Shuter, of Durban.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Natal Volunteer Staff |
| Chapman | P | Lieutenant | He was born 18 October 1878, son of Sir Arthur Wakefield Chapman, Kt, and J Agnes, daughter of Captain Mangles, of Poyle Park, Tongham, Surrey. He was educated at Eton, and entered the Royal Fusiliers as a Second Lieutenant 4 April 1900, becoming Lieutenant 13 July 1901. He served in South Africa, and was present in operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, August to 29 November 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May to August 1900; operations in the Transvaal, December 1900 to January 1901; operations in Cape Colony, January 1901 to May 1902 (Queen's Medal with three clasps; King's Medal with two clasps). From 15 October 1904, he was employed with the West African Frontier Force. He again saw active service in 1906-7, in Northern Nigeria; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 13 March 1908]; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 13 March 1908]: "Paul Chapman, Lieutenant, The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (employed with the West African Frontier Force). In recognition of his services with the Coibuk Expedition, Northern Nigeria". He became Captain 17 August 1908, and retired in 1910. Captain Chapman served during the European War in East Africa, 1914-16, and was mentioned in Despatches.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) |
| Christy | S H | Lieutenant | He was born 27 April 1879, youngest son of Stephen Christy, of Highfield, Bramall, Cheshire. He was educated at Harrow (Mr B Smith's, 1893-97), and at Christ Church, Oxford, and joined the 20th Hussars in 1899; served in South Africa, 1901-2; was on the Staff as Signalling Officer from March to May 1902, and was present at the operations in the Transvaal and in the Orange River Colony from January to April 1902 (Queen's Medal with four clasps). He served in West Africa in 1903 (Northern Nigeria), taking part in the Sokoto-Burmi operations, during which he was slightly wounded. He was mentioned in Dispatches 2 January 1905, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 24 January 1905]: "Stephen Henry Christy, Lieutenant, 20th Hussars. In recognition of services during the Sokoto-Burmi operations, Northern Nigeria, 1903". He retired from the Active List of the Army. He was fond of hunting and big game shooting. After his retirement he became Master of the South Shropshire foxhounds. At the beginning of the European War he rejoined his regiment, with the rank of Captain, on the 16th August 1914, and was killed in action at La Ferte-sous-Douane 27 August 1914. Captain Christy had married, in 1905, Violet, daughter of William Chapell-Hodge, of Pounds, South Devon.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 20th Hussars |
| Cubitt | T A | Captain | He was born 9 April 1871, youngest son of Major F Astley Cubitt, of Thorpe Hall, Norwich. He received his first commission in the Royal Artillery 13 February 1891. He served on the Staff in West Africa in 1898, in the Expeditions to Lapai and Anam (Medal and clasp); was promoted Captain 13 February 1900; served in the Munshi Expedition, Northern Nigeria, 1900 (Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; clasp); in Northern Nigeria, 1901, in the operations against the forces of Kontagora, and in the operations against those of Bida (Despatches [London Gazette, 18 April 1902]; Medal with clasp; Brevet of Major); in 1902 in the Bornu Expedition, Northern Nigeria, as Staff Officer in command of operations in the Bassama and Wurkum countries (Despatches [London Gazette, 24 April 1903]; clasp). For his services in Northern Nigeria in 1903, as Staff Officer to Colonel T L W Mor-land in the Kano-Sokoto Campaign, Major Cubitt was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 31 July 1903]; received a clasp to the African Medal, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 11 September 1903]: "Thomas Astley Cubitt, Captain and Brevet Major, Royal Artillery (West African Frontier Force. In recognition of services with the Kano-Sokoto Expedition". He was promoted Substantive Major, Royal Artillery, 12 September 1908; was employed as Brigade Major, 3rd Cavalry Brigade, Irish Command, February 1908 to May 1911, and on 29 July 1914, was promoted Local Lieutenant Colonel on taking up an appointment in Somaliland. He was employed in Somaliland during the Great War until 19 January 1916, becoming substantive Lieutenant Colonel 1 April 1915; was Brigade Commander of the 57th Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France, 6 April 1917 to 22 May 1918 and was Temporary Major General Commanding the 38th Division, British Armies in France, from 23 May 1918; confirmed in the rank of Major General 3 June 1919. Major General Cubitt was given the Brevet of Colonel 1 January 1918; was created a CMG in 1916, and a CB in 1919.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
| Davies | C H | Captain | He was born 20 November 1867, at Dibrugarh, India, son of Major General Frederick John Davies (died 1901), of Teignmouth. He was educated at the United Service College, Westward Ho! and at Newton College, Newton Abbott, and joined the Army on 5 February 1887, as a Second Lieutenant in the Cheshire Regiment He became Lieutenant in the Indian Staff Corps 1 September 1889, and Captain in the Indian Army 5 February 1898. He served on the North-West Frontier, 1807-8, taking part in operations on the Samana and in the Kurram Valley during August and September 1897 (Medal with two clasps); and in the Tirah, 1897-8, including the action at Dargai and the capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes, the reconnaissance of the Saran Sar and the action of 9 November 1897; the operations against the Khani Khel Chamkanis; the operations in the Bazar Valley, 25 to 30 December 1897 (Clasp). He received a Medal for service in China, 1900, and served in 1902 in the operations against the Darwesh Khel Waziris, North-West Frontier. In this campaign he was wounded slightly, and for his services was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 5 June 1903], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 3 July 1903]: "Charles Henry Davies, Captain, Indian Army. For operations against the Darwesh Khel Waziris". He was promoted Major 5 February 1905; served in the Zakka Khel Expedition in 1908; in the Mohmand Expedition, including the engagement at Kargha, 1908 (Despatches; Medal with two clasps). He became Lieutenant Colonel 5 February 1913. He served in the European War (in Mesopotamia), 1914-18. He was given the Brevet of Colonel 3 June 1916; was promoted Temporary Brigadier General on becoming Brigade Commander, 28th Infantry Brigade, Indian Expeditionary Force "D", Mesopotamian Expeditionary Force, 6 July 1916. He was wounded; was created a CMG in 1917 and a CB in 1919. Brigadier General Davies married, 5 September 1894, at Teignmouth, Devon, Beatrice Mary, fourth daughter of Christopher Sparrow, of Bitton, Teignmouth, and Urmston Lodge, near Manchester, and they had one son, Frederick Arthur Davies (Second Lieutenant, Queen's Own Corps of Guides).
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Delamain | W S | Major | He was born 18 February 1862. He joined the Royal Berkshire Regiment 22 October 1881, and was transferred to the Indian Staff Corps 1 February 1885. He served in the Egyptian Expedition of 1882, and was present at the surrender of Kafr Dowar (Medal; Bronze Star); in the Burma Expedition, 1885-88 (Medal with two clasps); on the Somali Coast, 1890, with the Zaila Field Force, being present at the affair at Hussein Zariba. He became Captain, ISC, 22 October 1892, and Major, Indian Army, 10 July 1901. For his service in China in 1900, he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 14 May 1901], and received the Medal, and also a Medal and clasp for the Waziristan operations on the North-West Frontier of India in 1901. He was with the Aden Boundary Commission, 1903—4, for which he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 17 February 1905], and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 14 April 1905]: "Walter Sinclair Delamain, Major, Indian Army. In recognition of services during the operations in connection with the protection of the Aden Boundary Commission, 1903-4". He was made Lieutenant Colonel 12 January 1905; was given the Brevet of Colonel 12 January 1908, and became Colonel 1 January 1911; was AAG at Headquarters, India, from November 1912 to 27 September 1914 when he was promoted to Temporary Brigadier General. He served in the European War as a Brigade Commander, and from 1916 to 1918 as AAG in Mesopotamia; was promoted to Major General 3 June 1915. He was twice mentioned in Despatches and created a CB in 1914, and a KCMG in 1918. Major General Sir W S Delamain married, in 1897, Gladys Frances, daughter of Thomas Russell, JP.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Army |
| Dickinson | N H C | Major | He was born 11 November 1862, eldest son of T W Carr Dickinson, of Fairholme, Cheltenham; and grandson of Generals T Dickinson and H Dick HEICS, his mother, Elizabeth Charlotte Dickinson, being second daughter of the latter. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and served as Lieutenant in the 3rd (South Regiment) Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Militia, 1881-5. He joined the Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) 23 May 1885; served with the 44th Gurkha Light Infantry, BSC in the Upper Burma Campaign, 1885-7 (Medal with clasp), and 1887-9 (clasp). He was Station Staff Officer, Kohima, Naga Hills, Assam, and was brought to the notice of the Commander-in-Chief in India for his good service on detached duty by the General Officer Commanding Eastern Frontier, Bengal. He became Captain 12 August 1801. He was in the Ordnance Store Department, 1891-3; DACGO, 1893-6; Ordnance Officer, 4th Class, Army Ordnance Department, 1896-8. He served with the 1st Battalion Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians) (100th), in the South African War, 1900-1, and was present at the action of Wittebergen (Queen's Medal and four clasps). He became Major 28 June 1901. He served with the West African Frontier Force, 1st Battalion Northern Nigeria Regiment, 1901-4; Acting Commandant and Brigade Major, Northern Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force. He was in command of the Kontagora Expedition, 1902, for which, in addition to mention in Despatches, he received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 8 May 1903]: "Major Neville Hope Campbell Dickinson, The Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadians). In recognition of services in effecting the capture of the ex-Emir of Kontagora". Major Dickinson retired from the Army 20 December 1905. He was Military Resident, Province of Borjgu, and JP, Northern Nigeria, 1901 to 1904, and among the important appointments which he subsequently held was that of Mechanical Engineer of the Construction Company of the Central Uruguay Eastern Extension Railway, 1906. When the Great, War began Major Dickinson became, on 6 August 1914, a First Class Inspector of Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, and was employed in that position during the war until 8 January 1918, serving in France in 1916, being brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services in 1917 and 1918. He has the British War Medal and the Allies' Medal. From 9 January 1918 to 15 October 1919, he was employed with the Army Ordnance Department and Royal Army Ordnance Corps, as Ordnance Officer, 4th and 3rd class. Major Dickinson married, in 1896, Elizabeth Frankland, second daughter of Isaac Garlbutt Dickinson, of Woking and Newcastle.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadia |
| Dyer | S B B | Lieutenant | He was born 26 November 1875, in London, son of Captain Stewart John Dyer, late The Buffs (youngest son of Sir Thomas Swinnerton Dyer, 9th Baront, of Westcroft Park, Chobham, Surrey). His parents came of old Wiltshire families; the Dyers held lands in Wilts (Heytesbury and Somerset) before 1400, most of which they lost fighting for Charles I, whose successor, Charles II, created the Baronetcy. The Dyers have been mostly soldiers, and have fought through the Peninsular and Crimean Wars and the Indian Mutiny. His mother belonged to the Bythesea family, which has owned the Weeke House estate since the time of James I. He was educated by a private tutor, and at Balliol College, Oxford, and joined the 4th Battalion Royal Minister Fusiliers (Kerry Militia) 9 February 1894, and served during four trainings. He joined the 2nd Life Guards 5 January 1899. In June 1899, Lieutenant Dyer was seconded for service in Northern Nigeria, where he took part in (1) the Kaduna Expedition, 1900 (Despatches; Medal and clasp); (2) the Bornu Expedition, and operations in the Wurkum Hills and Bassama country, 1902 (wounded; Despatches; Medal and clasp). The London Gazette of 24 April 1903, contained Sir F Lugard's Despatches, dated from Mureji, 16 August 1902, with reference to the Expedition to Bornu, and the operations which resulted in the capture of the ex-Emir of Kontagora, as well as other expeditions in Northern Nigeria. The Expedition, under Colonel Morland, started from Ibi (which is three hundred miles up the Benue from Lokoja) at the end of January. After subjugating the Yerguins, a turbulent hill tribe, Colonel Morland was attacked beyond Bautshi on the 16th February by a strong force of some seven hundred dervishes dressed in the "Jibbeh", followers of the Mallam Jibrella, who called himself the Mahdi, and had long been the firebrand of that part of the Protectorate, and hitherto invariably victorious. The enemy was defeated with great loss, and the pursuit resulted in the capture of the Mallam by Lieutenant Dyer, who—as Colonel Morland relates— "rode seventy miles in seventeen hours, with ten men only, and was back at Gujba in forty-two hours; a remarkable performance indeed in a roadless country". In the difficult operations which followed the Bassama and the Wurkum and Djen tribes were defeated in several actions, until they sued for peace". Sir F D Lugard adds: "I concur in the selection of officers made by Colonel Morland for special mention, viz: .. Lieutenant Dyer, an officer who has always been distinguished for intrepidity and dash". For his services in this expedition Lieutenant Dyer received the Medal and clasp. He was wounded. (3) He served in the Kano-Sokoto Expedition in 1903; wounded. The "Daily Mail" of 16 February 1903, said: "The following telegram was received late on Friday night by the Colonial Office from the Governor, Sir F D Lugard: "Fifty miles from Zaria, 8 February Kano occupied by Colonel Morland, 3 February Lieutenant S B B Dyer, 2nd Life Guards, severely wounded, sword-cuts, wrists". Kano was occupied on 3 February, after considerable fighting, the enemy defending the walls, which were 15 feet high, and proof against millimetre shell. After a fruitless bombardment of the main gate, the British troops stormed a smaller gate a mile off. Lieutenant Dyer (2nd Life Guards) led the storming party with great gallantry, and was twice wounded. The operations were entirely under Colonel Morland, and were brilliantly carried out. He mentioned the splendid work of the Mounted Infantry, under Lieutenants Porter and Wright, and especially commends Major McClintock, Major Cubitt, Lieutenant Dyer and Mr Wallace, the Deputy Commissioner. For his services in this expedition Lieutenant Dyer received a clasp; was twice mentioned in Despatches, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 11 September 1903]: "Lieutenant (Local Captain) Stewart Barton Bythesea Dyer, 2nd Life Guards, West African Frontier Force. In recognition of services with the Kano-Sokoto Expedition". (4) He was in command of the Dakakari Expedition, 1904 (Despatches and clasp). A report dated 18 April 1904, by Captain R H Goodwin, says: "Orderly Room, 1st Battalion, Northern Nigeria Regiment, West African Frontier Force. I have much pleasure in conveying to you HE's congratulations and appreciation of the manner in which the operations recently performed by you in Dakakari were carried out". HE Colonel Sir Frederick Lugard, KCMG, writes: "I should have liked to express my congratulations to Captain Dyer (1) on the success of his expedition; (2) on its small cost; (3) on the maps and itineraries. A commander who succeeds in all these three points is ideal. The expedition seems to have been carried out in a very gallant, effective, and at the same time humane manner. I am particularly glad to see that my suggestions as to disarmament and as to giving towns sufficient warning to let women and non-combatants escape were given effect to, and also that the troops are remaining for a while in the country". Major Dyer retired in January 1910, and joined the Special Reserve of Officers, the Wiltshire Militia. He was prospective Liberal candidate for Salisbury, 1912. He was Intelligence Officer on the Staff at Weymouth, 1914-15, and was awarded the War Badge, September 1916, for services rendered. He was appointed Military Attache, British Embassy at Madrid, in the autumn of 1915; but ill-health compelled him to relinquish the appointment for that of Honorary Attache, having failed to satisfy the Medical Board. He retired from the Reserve of Officers, owing to ill-health, in January 1917, and died 26 January 1917, at his flat near the British Embassy, Madrid. He was buried in the English Cemetery outside the town. Captain Dyer married, on 11 June 1900, at St George's Church, Hanover Square, London, Mai, only child of Captain S L Osborne, RN, and their son was Thomas Musgrave Swinnerton Dyer, born 5 July 1907.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Life Guards |
| Eliott | F A H | Major | He was born 3 July 1867, at Langley, Bucks, eldest son of Major George Augustus Eliott and his first wife, Helen Janet, daughter of W Jardine Gallon. He was educated at the Oxford Military College, Cowley, and joined the Bechuanaland Border Police in 1892. On the annexation of the then Crown Colony to the Cape Colony, he was appointed Sub-Inspector in the CMP. He served during the Bechuanaland Campaign of 1896-97 (Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal and clasp), and in the South African War of 1899-1902, during which he took part in the defence of Kimberley and in operations in the Orange Free State. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 May 1900, and 10 April 1901], and received the Queen's and King's Medals with two clasps each. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 9 November 1907]: "Francis Augustus Heathfield Eliott, Commanding North-West Border Riflemen, Cape Colony". The decoration was awarded for services in the Battle of Eenzaamheid, 20 September 1907. He was twice mentioned in Despatches by the High Commissioner for South Africa, for conduct on the German Frontier (South-West Africa) in 1907, when he was operating in conjunction with the Imperial German Troops against Morenga. Besides the DSO, he received the 2nd Class Order of the Royal Crown of Prussia with Swords, and the German South West Africa Commemorative Medal with clasp for 'Kalahari 1907'. He became Major in the Cape Colonial Forces, and District Inspector in the Cape Mounted Police. He served in the European War, 1914-18. He took part in the campaign in South-West Africa, under General Botha, as Lieutenant Colonel in command of the 3rd Regiment, South African Mounted Riflemen. He also served under General Smuts in East Africa, with the 6th Mounted Brigade, in command of the 4th South African Horse, and with the 1st Mounted Brigade, and was mentioned in Despatches twice; was subsequently in Flanders on the Staff of the 5th Army until invalided with malaria. His favourite recreations were shooting, fishing and tennis. Lieutenant Colonel Eliott married, in 1890, Evelyn Georgina, daughter of R W MacDermott, and they had two sons and three daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Cape Police |
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