| Nicholson | John Sanctuary | | Captain | NICHOLSON, JOHN SANCTUARY, Captain, was born in London 19 May 1863, second son of W Nicholson, of Basing Park, Alton, Hampshire, and of Mrs W Nicholson. He was educated at Harrow, was gazetted to the 7th Hussars as Lieutenant 6 February 1884, and became Captain 23 January 1891. He was on special service in South Africa, and acted as Staff Officer in the operations in Matabeleland in 1896, under General Carrington. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 9 March 1897], received the Medal, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 7 May 1897]: "John Sanctuary Nicholson, Captain, 7th Hussars. In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa, 1896". He was Commandant-General of the British South Africa Police (which he raised), 25 November 1898 to 22 October 1900; became Major 27 May 1899, and served in the South African War, 1899-1902, first in command of the BSA Police, and afterwards in command of the 1st Brigade, Rhodesia Field Force. Colonel Nicholson served in the European War from 1914 holding a special appointment (graded AAG, BEF), 15 September 1914 to 23 April 1915; was Base Commandant, BEF, 24 April 1915 to 1 December 1916; was Temporary Brigadier General 2 December 1916 to 31 December 1918, and Base Commandant, British Armies in France, 2 December 1916 to 31 December 1918. He was created a CBE in 1919. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 29 November 1900; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps and the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a CB. He was employed with the South African Constabulary 23 October 1932 to 7 July 1903; and 8 July 1903 to 20 August 1905, as Inspector-General. He became Lieutenant Colonel 8 July 1903; was given the Brevet of Colonel 16 February 1905, and became Colonel 23 February 1907. He was created a CMG in 1905.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 7th (The Queen's Own) Hussars |
