PILSON, ARTHUR FORDE, Major, was
born 17 May 1865, at Downpatrick, County Down, son of Conway Pilson, JP, of
Rathvilla, Downpatrick, and of Sarah Overend. He was educated at the Royal
School, Armagh, and entered the Royal Dublin Fusiliers 9 May 1888; was
Adjutant, 1st Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 1890-94. He was promoted
Captain, 20 December 1896; took part in operations in Matabeleland, 1896,
and acted as Adjutant to the Mounted Infantry (Despatches [London Gazette, 9
March 1897]; Brevet of Major, and Medal); served in South Africa, 1899-1903,
on special service, including service with the Rhodesian Protectorate
Regiment and the South African Constabulary; was appointed Assistant
District Commissioner, subsequently District Commandant, and afterwards
Administrator, No 4 Martial Law Area, Cape Colony; was mentioned in
Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April 1901], awarded the South African Medal
with four clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and created a Companion
of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]:
"Arthur Forde Pilson, Captain and Brevet Major, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. In
recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The
Insignia were sent to Lord Roberts 18 January 1902, and presented privately
24 March 1902. He retired in 1908, and joined the Reserve of Officers. On
mobilization at the outbreak of the European War he was appointed
Second-in-Command, Depot, The Royal Irish Regiment, and subsequently
Adjutant. The following extract appeared in the 'Irish Times' of 28 March
1919: "Mentions for service.— The names of the undermentioned, with others,
have been brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for
valuable services rendered in connection with the war, etc—Pilson, Brevet
Major A F, DSO, RP, Royal Irish Regiment". Major Pilson was
demobilized 12 February 1919. He married, 14 January 1907, Aida Constance,
second daughter of Robert St John Mayne, of Mount Sedborough, County
Fermanagh, and of Mrs A C Ormsby, of Elm Park, County Dublin.
