HARPER, GEORGE MONTAGUE, Captain,
was born 11 January 1865, son of Charles Harper. He entered the Army 5 July
1884; became Captain 1 October 1892. He served in South Africa, 1899-1900,
as Captain, Royal Engineers; was present at the Relief of Ladysmith,
including operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop;
during operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; in the
operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at
Pieter's Hill; during operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, and
operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to October 1900. He was
mentioned four times in Despatches; received the Queen's Medal with four
clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order
[London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "George Montague Harper, Captain, Royal
Engineers. In recognition of services during operations in South Africa".
The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901, and the Warrant was
sent 27 January 1902. He became Major 1 April 1901. He was promoted
Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1907; Colonel 19 July 1911, and 6 November
1914, also on the General Staff, BEF, from 7 November 1914 to 10 February
1915; became Temporary Major General 25 September to 31 December 1915, and
served as Division Commander, 51st Division, BEF, British Armies in France,
25 September 1915 to 10 March 1918; promoted Major General 1 January 1916,
and Temporary Lieutenant General 11 March 1918 to 31 December 1918; was Army
Corps Commander, 4th Army Corps, British Armies in France, 11 March 1918 to
31 May 1919; promoted Lieutenant General 1 January 1919; has been GOC,
Southern Command, since 1 June, 1919; was mentioned in Despatches; created a
CB in 1915; Commander of the Legion of Honour, and KCB in 1918. Sir George
Harper married, in 1893, the Honourable Ella Constance Jackson, second
daughter of the 1st Baron Allerton.
