| Neilson | Walter Gordon | | Lieutenant | NEILSON, WALTER GORDON, Lieutenant, was born 1 October 1876, son of Colonel James Neilson, CB. He was educated at Merchiston Castle School, and played for Scotland at Rugby football when still at school. He was commissioned in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 1 December 1897; became Lieutenant 1 October 1899. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902; took part in the advance on Kimberley, including action at Modder River (wounded), and Magersfontein; in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including action at Zilikat's Nek; in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; served as Adjutant to 1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, from 1 April to 31 May 1902; also in Cape Colony May 1902 (Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902]; Queen's Medal with three clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Walter Gordon Neilson, Lieutenant, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 24 October 1902. He was Adjutant, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1 April 1902 to 21 March 1905; became Captain 16 July 1907; was Brigade Major, Lothian Infantry Brigade, Scottish Command, 12 July 1912 to 4 August 1914. During the European War he was Brigade Major, 1/1st Lothian Infantry Brigade, Central Force, Home Defence, 5 August 1914 to 19 March 1915, Brigade Major, 139th Infantry Brigade, BEF, British Armies in France 1 June 1915 to 21 July 1916; was promoted to Major 1 September 1915; was GSO2, British Armies in France, 22 July to 15 August 1916; GSO2, 34th Division, British Armies in France, 16 August 1910 to 22 February 1917: GSO2, 15th Army Corps, British Armies in France, 23 February to 17 November 1917; Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 18 November 1917 to 2 June 1918, and GSO1, 63rd Division, British Armies in France, 18 November 1917 to 21 July 1918; GSO1, 4th Army, British Armies in France, 22 July 1918. He was five times mentioned in Despatches; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 3 June 1918, and created a CMG 1916. Lieutenant Colonel Neilson married, in 1908, Ida Lacon-Graham, of Duntrune, Forfarshire, only child of F G Lacon, and they had one daughter.
CMG, DSO, QSA (3) M-R Paard Trans (Lt & Adj A &SH), KSA (2) (Lt & Adj A & SH), 1914-15 Star (Capt DSO), BWM, Victory medal with MID (Lt Col). Christies 1990 £1,870.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Princess Louise's) Sutherland and Argyll Highland |
