DUNCAN, FRANCIS JOHN, Captain, was
born 16 May 1870. He was educated at Shrewsbury, and was gazetted to the
Royal Scots 1 September 1889; became Lieutenant 7 March, 1892; was Adjutant,
Royal Scots, 1 November 1895 to 31 October 1899; was promoted to Captain 12
August 1896. He served in the South African War, 1900-2; on Special duty
under the Military Governor of Johannesburg; afterwards as Commandant,
Edenburg, and in command of a Mounted Infantry Battalion (from 18 August
1901). Operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900; operations
in the Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; operations in Cape
Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900. He was mentioned in Despatches
[London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 17 January 1902]; was given the Brevet
of Major 22 August 1902; received the Queen's Medal with two clasps; King's
Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished
Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September. 1901]: "Francis John Duncan,
Captain, Royal Scots. In recognition of services during the operations in
South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29 November 1901; the
Warrant sent 24 January 1902. He was promoted to Major 22 May, 1905. He
served in the European War, 1914-17, as GSO2, BEF, 20 May 1915 to 3 August
1915; became Lieutenant Colonel 27 November 1914; was in command of the 165th
Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France, 3 January 1916 to 10 April, 1917.
He commanded the 214th Infantry Brigade, Home Forces, 14 April 1917 to 21
October 1917; and the 60th Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France, 24
October 1917 to 13 June, 1918; was Temporary Major General 14 June 1918,
commanding 61st Division, British Armies in France. He was mentioned twice in
Despatches, created a CMG in 1915, a CB in 1919, and received the Brevet of
Colonel 1 January 1917. Colonel Duncan married, in 1905, Lili, daughter
of Moritz Linder, of Vienna.
