PELLY, JOHN STANNUS, Major, was born
13 January 1859, son of C R Pelly, Johnstown House, Cabinteely, Dublin, and
of Jane (nee Hamilton), of Vesington, County Meath. He was educated at
Rugby School. He entered the Army 14 January 1880; served in the
Bechuanaland Expedition under Sir Charles Warren, 1884-85; was promoted
Captain 1 July 1885; Major, July 1895; took part in operations in the last
rising in Crete, 1898; served in the South African War, 1899-1901; in
command of the 1st Battalion Border Regiment, from January to 4 September
1900, and March 1901 to August 1901; operations in Natal, 1899; Relief of
Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations on Tugela Heights (14 to
27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in the Orange
Free State, April and May 1900; operations in the Transvaal in June 1900;
operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, in July; operations in the
Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to November 1900; operations in Orange
River Colony, May 1900; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River,
1899; operations in Cape, Colony, north of Orange River, May 1900;
operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to November 1901 He was
mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 10 September 1901];
received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, and was created a Companion of
the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "John
Stannus Pelly, Major, Border Regiment. In recognition of services
during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 17
February 1901. He became Lieutenant Colonel 20 October 1901; was given the
Brevet of Colonel 20 October 1904, and retired from the Border Regiment 20
October 1905, with the rank of Colonel. He served during the European War;
commanded 7th Border Regiment (Kitchener's Army), September 1914 to March
1915; commanded a Junior Officers' Company, May 1915 to January 1916;
employed on recruiting duties, North-West District, March 1916 to January
1918. Colonel Pelly married, in 1900, Lilian Louisa, daughter of W B Page,
and they had one daughter.
