| Wilson | Herbert Haydon | | Captain | WILSON, HERBERT HAYDON, Captain, was born 14 February 1875, youngest son of Sir Samuel Wilson, of Ercildoune, Victoria. He served in the South African War, 1900-1, with the Imperial Yeomanry, taking part in operations in the Orange Free State, April and May 1900. Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Venterskroom (7 to 9 August). Operations in Orange River Colony, May to July 1900, including actions at Lindley (1 June) and Rhenoster River. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 23 April and 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 23 April 1901]: "Herbert Haydon Wilson, Captain, 3rd Battalion The Imperial Yeomanry. For gallantry in defence of posts in the Boer attack on Lichtenburg. Dated 6 March 1901". The Insignia were presented to Captain Wilson by the King 25 July 1901. He became Honorary Captain in the Army in 1901. He served in the European War, and was killed in action on 11 April 1917. An obituary notice says: "Captain Herbert Wilson, DSO, late a Major in the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, and attached to the Household Cavalry, is reported killed in action on 11 April. Captain Wilson was the youngest son of Sir Samuel Wilson and Lady Wilson. He served with the Yeomanry during the Boer War, and his services were rewarded with the DSO and the rank of a Captain in the Army. He was well known with the Quorn, Cottesmore and Belvoir Hounds in Leicestershire, where he resided for many years at Ashby Folville. In polo he was a prominent figure, and, indeed, was a member of the Hurlingham Committee, the governing body of the game in this country. He played for England against America in 1909, when we lost the Cup, and was one of the members of Captain Hardress Lloyd's team which attempted to regain the trophy in America two years later. He was one of the famous Roehampton team which won the Champion Cup at Hurlingham in 1905 and 1906, and the Open Cup at Ranelagh in four successive seasons (1904-1907), while he assisted England on three occasions (1908, 1909 and 1911) to gain victories over Ireland in the annual international match. Of late years his summer residence was Lower Grove, Roehampton, adjacent to the polo ground. His eldest brother was Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Wilson, MVO, Royal Horse Guards, who was killed in action during the First Battle of Ypres; his second brother, Wilfred (of the Northumberland Yeomanry), lost his life during the South African War, in which campaign another brother, Clarence, attached to the 8th Hussars, was severely wounded". A memorial service for Captain Wilson was held at Christ Church, Down Street, Piccadilly.
DSO, QSA (4) CC OFS Trans SA 01 (Capt, DSO, 10/Notts Coy IY). Lovell 1978 (no DSO) est £50. March (with DSO) 1979 £365.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 3rd Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry |
