GIRDWOOD, AUSTIN CLAUDE, Captain, was
born 24 April, 1875, son of John Girdwood, JP, of Rose Bank, Binstead, Isle of
Wight. He was commissioned in the Northumberland Fusiliers 6 June 1896; was
promoted to Lieutenant 22 April 1898; served in the Nile Expedition, 1898, and
was present at the Battle of Khartoum (Medal and Egyptian Medal with clasp).
He again saw active service in the South African War, 1899-1902, and was
severely wounded. He took part in the advance on Kimberley, including the
actions at Belmont, Enslin, Modder River and Magersfontein; operations in the
Orange Free State, March to May 1900; operations in the Transvaal, west of
Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including action at Venterskroon;
operations in Orange River Colony, May to July 1900, including action at
Rhenoster River; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to April 1902;
operations in Cape Colony, April to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in
Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902]; received the
Queen's Medal with four clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was
created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27
September 1901]: "Austin Claude Girdwood, Captain, Northumberland Fusiliers.
In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was
invested by the King 21 October 1902. Captain Girdwood passed the Staff
College. He served on the North-West Frontier of India in 1908, in the
Mohmand Expedition. He served throughout the European War; was GSO3, 48th
Division, Central Force, Home Defence, and British Expeditionary Force, 11
January to 15 September 1915; was promoted to Major 1 September 1915; was
GSO2, New Armies, British Armies in France, 18 September 1915 to 15 July 1916;
Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, commanding Service Battalion Border Regt, 16
July 1916 to 20 August 1917; Temporary Brigadier General from 21 August 1917,
commanding 96th Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France. He was given the
Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1918; received the Croix de Guerre; was
created a CMG in 1919, and was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service
Order. He married, in 1903, Constance, second daughter of Samuel Adshead, of
Highfield, Upton, Macclesfield.
Khedive Sudan (1) Khartoum (Lt 1st Btn Northumberland
Fusiliers). DNW Apr 06.
