SCRATCHLEY, VICTOR HENRY SYLVESTER,
Captain, was born 6 July 1870. He entered the Army 25 March 1891; served in
the Isazai Expedition, 1892, and in the Chitral Campaign, 1895 (Medal with
clasp); became Captain 22 October 1899. He served in the South African War
from 1899 to 1900; during operations in Natal, 1899; also in the operations
in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June);
during operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November
1900, including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8
September). He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February
1901]; and received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and created a
Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April
1901]: "Victor Henry Sylvester Scratchley, Captain, King's Royal Rifle
Corps. In recognition of services in the operations in South Africa". The
Insignia were presented by the King 17 December 1901. Captain Scratchley
was Superintendent of Gymnasia, 1901 to 1904; retired from the KRRC 20 June
1906, and joined the Reserve of Officers. He served during the European War
as Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, and was created OBE. In 1901 he
married Anna Clementine, daughter of John Harvey, of Mayfield, Shooter's
Hill, Kent.
