NEWBIGGING, WILLIAM PATRICK ERIC,
Captain, was born 31 May 1871, son of Lieutenant Colonel Newbigging,
Manchester Regiment, of 124 Lexham Gardens, London. He was gazetted to
the Manchester Regiment 23 March 1892; became Lieutenant 28 July 1895, and
was Adjutant, Manchester Regiment, 2 November 1898 to 1 November 1902,
becoming Captain 18 March 1899. He served in the South African War,
1899-1902, as Adjutant, 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment; was present at
the operations in Natal, 1899, including action at Elandslaagte (severely
wounded). He was employed with Mounted Infantry, and was present at the
Relief of Ladysmith, including operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27
February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in Natal, March to
June 1900; operations in the Transvaal, 1902. He was mentioned in
Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902]; received
the Queen's Medal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and
was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette,
27 September 1901]: "William Patrick Eric Newbigging, Captain, Manchester
Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South
Africa". He was invested by the King 18 December 1902. Captain Newbigging
was Adjutant, Volunteers, 15 December 1902 to 31 July 1908; was promoted to
Major 22 April 1911; was Instructor, School of Signalling, 3 July 1912 to 4
August 1914. He served in the European War, 1914-18, as Deputy Director of
Army Signalling, BEF, British Armies in France, 6 February 1916 to 15 May
1918; as Chief Signalling Officer, British Armies in France, 16 May 1918 to
8 April 1919; as Signalling Officer-in-Chief, British Army of the Rhine, 9
April 1919. He was six times mentioned in Despatches, and was given the
Brevets of Lieutenant Colonel (18 February 1915) and Colonel (1 January
1918); was created a CMG in 1917, and a CB in 1918, and received the 1914
Star.
