POLSON, DONALD, Captain, was born in
New Zealand, 10 October 1871, son of George M'Leod Polson, of Helmsdale,
Scotland. He was educated at Christchurch, New Zealand; served for six
years in the New Zealand Volunteer Force; took part in the South African
War, as Captain in the 5th New Zealand Contingent in South Africa, 1900. He
was mentioned in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished
Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "Donald Polson, Captain, New
Zealand Mounted Rifles. In recognition of services during the operations in
South Africa". The Insignia, etc, were sent to the Colonial Office, and
presented by the Earl of Ranfurly 29 January 1902, at Wellington, New
Zealand. The decoration was especially awarded for services in the
North-Western Transvaal. He retired with the rank of Major, 31 July 1912,
from the New Zealand Mounted Rifles.
