PRIOR, JOHN HARVEY, Lieutenant, was
born 14 December 1871, son of E HPrior, of Bridgwater. He served in the South African War from 1899 to 1901,
being employed as Station Staff Officer from 10 February 1901, and was
present in operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900;
operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899 to 1900, including
the actions at Colesberg 1 January to 12 February 1900; operations in the
Transvaal, May 1901; operations in Orange River Colony 30 November 1900 to
May 1901. For his services he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette,
10 September 1901]; was awarded the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was
created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27
September 1901]: "John Harvey Prior, Lieutenant, Plymouth Division, Royal
Engineers, Submarine Miners (Militia). In recognition of services during
the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the
King. Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel) J H Prior served in the European
War. He was mentioned in Despatches, and was awarded a Bar to the
Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 16 September 1918]; "John
Harvey Prior, DSO, Royal Engineers, Special Reserve. For conspicuous
gallantry and devotion to duty in action, when he volunteered to attach
himself and his company to a battalion which was threatened by an
outflanking movement. By his personal courage and excellent handling of his
company he was successful in holding the enemy and in assisting the
battalion to withdraw at a very critical moment". He was also awarded the
Legion of Honour. He married, in 1895, Emily Rose, widow of
G B Long, JP, of Wotton-under-Edge,
Gloucestershire, and they had one daughter.
