HATCHELL, HENRY MELVILLE, Major, was
born 31 May 1852, son of G W Hatchell, MD, of Dublin. He was gazetted to
the 18th Foot 28 February 1874; served in the Afghan War, 1879-80, serving
as Orderly Officer to Major General Roberts, who commanded a Brigade at
Kabul (Medal). He was promoted Captain 1 July 1881; took part in the
Egyptian War, 1882 (Medal with Tel-el-Kebir clasp; Khedive's Star). He
became Major 29 April, 1891. He served in the South African War, 1899-1900,
as Major, Royal Irish Regiment, and commanded 5th Battalion Mounted
Infantry, and was slightly wounded. He was present at operations in Cape
Colony in 1900. Operations in Orange Free State, February to May 1900,
including action at Poplar Grove. Operations in Orange River Colony, May to
July 1900, including action at Bethlehem Operations in the Transvaal, east
of Pretoria, July to November 1900, including actions at Belfast and
Lydenburg. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September
1901]; received the Queen's Medal and three clasps, and was created a
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September
1901]: "Henry Melville Hatchell, Major, Royal Irish Regiment. In
recognition of services during operations in South Africa". The insignia
were presented by the King 29 October 1901. In 1902 he was promoted to
Lieutenant Colonel, to command the 5th Battalion Royal Garrison Regiment
(Aldershot and Halifax, Nova Scotia), and he became Substantive Lieutenant
Colonel 26 February 1902, being given the Brevet of Colonel 26 February
1905, and retiring from the Royal Garrison Regiment 26 February 1906, with
the rank of Colonel. During the European War, Colonel Hatchell commanded
the 25th Service Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish) in
England, and also commanded the 30th Reserve Battalion Northumberland
Fusiliers. Colonel Hatchell married, in 1901, Frances Mary Elizabeth,
eldest daughter of Reverend H S Rush, of Haywards Heath, Sussex.
