GILSON, CHARLES HUGH, Major, was born
8 November 1870, at Maritzburg, Natal, the son of Alexander Daniel Gilson,
retired Civil Servant, and Miriam Jane Gilson, of The Croft, Greytown, Natal.
He was educated at Maritzburg College; served as Clerk in the Civil Service in
Natal and Zululand; received a commission in the Zululand Police, 1894, as
Sub-Inspector; transferred to BSA Police, as Inspector with local rank of
Captain, in 1897; was transferred in 1902 to SA Constabulary, still with the
rank of Captain. Captain Gilson served in the South African War of 1899-1902;
was twice mentioned in Despatches received the Queen's Medal with a clasp; the
King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished
Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "C H Gilson, Captain, British South Africa Police. In recognition of services during the operations in
South Africa. (Especially for his services in suppressing a Native Rising in
the north of Southern Rhodesia, during the rainy months in a fever-stricken
district)". When the Swaziland Police were formed in 1907 Major Gilson
was given command. He had the Matabele Medal. Major Gilson married, 21 July
1908, at Mbabane, Swaziland, Clytie Rowena, daughter of William Anderson
Knight, CMG. Their children were: Ina Rowena, born 19 June 1909; Helen
Phyllis, born 6 January 1911; Kenyon Tilden, born 14 March, 1912, and Jean
Miriam, born 26 May 1913.
