| Girdwood | Austin Claude | | Captain | GIRDWOOD, AUSTIN CLAUDE, Captain, was born 24 April, 1875, son of John Girdwood, JP, of Rose Bank, Binstead, Isle of Wight. He was commissioned in the Northumberland Fusiliers 6 June 1896; was promoted to Lieutenant 22 April 1898; served in the Nile Expedition, 1898, and was present at the Battle of Khartoum (Medal and Egyptian Medal with clasp). He again saw active service in the South African War, 1899-1902, and was severely wounded. He took part in the advance on Kimberley, including the actions at Belmont, Enslin, Modder River and Magersfontein; operations in the Orange Free State, March to May 1900; operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including action at Venterskroon; operations in Orange River Colony, May to July 1900, including action at Rhenoster River; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to April 1902; operations in Cape Colony, April to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Austin Claude Girdwood, Captain, Northumberland Fusiliers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 21 October 1902. Captain Girdwood passed the Staff College. He served on the North-West Frontier of India in 1908, in the Mohmand Expedition. He served throughout the European War; was GSO3, 48th Division, Central Force, Home Defence, and British Expeditionary Force, 11 January to 15 September 1915; was promoted to Major 1 September 1915; was GSO2, New Armies, British Armies in France, 18 September 1915 to 15 July 1916; Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, commanding Service Battalion Border Regt, 16 July 1916 to 20 August 1917; Temporary Brigadier General from 21 August 1917, commanding 96th Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France. He was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1918; received the Croix de Guerre; was created a CMG in 1919, and was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. He married, in 1903, Constance, second daughter of Samuel Adshead, of Highfield, Upton, Macclesfield.
Khedive Sudan (1) Khartoum (Lt 1st Btn Northumberland Fusiliers). DNW Apr 06.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Northumberland Fusiliers |
