This page contains information about the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) and
a list of recipients for the Boer War.
History
The CSC was instituted in June 1901. Its institution has its origins in
a Memorial from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to the King, dated 15th
June 1901. The Commissioners argued that there should be "some means of
recognising Distinguished Service before the Enemy on the part of Warrant
officers and Subordinate Officers of Your Majesty's Fleet, who by reason of not
holding a Commission in the Royal Navy, are not eligible for appointment to any
existing Order or Decoration. We beg leave to recommend that Your Majesty
will be graciously pleased by Your Order in Council to institute a Decoration to
be designated the Conspicuous Service Cross". No one could be nominated
who had not been mentioned in despatches. On 14th October 1914,
eligibility for the Cross was extended to Commissioned Officers below the rank
of Lieutenant Commander and the award's name was changed to the Distinguished
Service Cross. A bar for subsequent acts of service before the enemy was
instituted from 7th September 1916.
Between 1901 and 1913, there were 8 awards of the CSC. Of these, 6 were
for the Boer War.
Armstrong, Midshipman Thomas Charles, RN, HMS Powerful
London
Gazette: 2nd July 1901. The first officer to receive the CSC.
Awarded for his action at Graspan. Captain Marchant reported that
"Lieutenants F Dean, G W McO Campbell, Sub Lieutenant Whyte (who was in charge
of the ammunition supply) and Midshipman Armstrong, who were with the guns,
behaved with great gallantry in a very exposed position".
Armstrong landed with the Naval brigade for the defence of Stormberg in
October 1899, and served with the column under Lord Methuen. He was
noted for early promotion.
Huddart, Midshipman C A E, RN, HMS Doris
London Gazette: 2nd July 1901. Awarded for his action at Graspan.
He was mentioned in despatches; "Midshipman
Huddart behaved magnificently, and still advanced after he had been twice
wounded until he was finally struck down mortally wounded'.
See his details
here.
Hutchinson, Midshipman R B C, RN, HMS Terrible
London Gazette: 2nd July 1901.
Sir R
Buller's mentions for HMS Terrible include Midshipman Hutchinson. He
served with the Naval Brigade during the Boer War and the operations on the
Tugela 1899-1900. Captain Jones said "I must also mention Mr Hutchinson,
midshipman, who has acted as my ADC. He has been most useful and hard
working, often spending the greater part of the night finding his way across
the difficult country with messages. He had many very narrow escapes". He
received the Conspicuous Service Cross and was noted for early promotion.
He was specially promoted to the rank of Lieutenant (with seniority 15 Sep
1902) for services during operations in South Africa. He served in the
China War 1900 and was present at the capture of Tientsin (medal and relief of
Pekin clasp).
Lowe, Gunner Ernest Edward, RN, HMS Monarch
London
Gazette: 2nd July 1901. The CSC was presented by the King in October
1901.
He was
mentioned in Lord Methuen's dispatch of 25 November 1899; Lieutenants the
Honourable E S H Boyle and F J Saunders, RMLI, Gunner Lowe and Midshipman W W
Sillem, also charged to the top of the hill, gallantly leading their men all
the time under a very heavy fire, and all are deserving of special mention.
In his account of the services of the Naval Brigade at the capture of
Pretoria, Captain Bearcroft praised Gunner Lowe "for zeal and energy shown in
the keeping up an adequate supply of ammunition near the guns, and in looking
after the safety of the remainder". Captain Bearcroft's final Mentions; "Mr
Lowe, gunner (T); this officer has performed the duties of quartermaster to
the brigade while landed with ability and untiring zeal and energy".
Wardle, Midshipman T F J L, RN
London Gazette: 2nd July 1901. Awarded for his action at Graspan.
He was mentioned in despatched "Midshipman
Wardle also showed great gallantry, and remained with Major Plumbe and several
dead and wounded men, and attended to them and dressed their wounds under
fire". Captain Bearcroft's final Mentions; "Mr Wardle and Mr Denison,
midshipmen; recommended for advancement when qualified".
Wright, Gunner Joseph, RN, HMS Terrible
London
Gazette: 2nd July 1901. Awarded for South Africa and China. The
CSC was presented by the King in October 1901.
In
Sir R Buller's despatch about Colenso of 17 December 1899, "Lieutenant Ogilvy,
'Tartar' and Gunner Wright, 'Terrible' particularly rendered excellent
service". He was also mentioned for his work in the relief of
Ladysmith, "I have already brought before your notice the conduct of Mr
Wright, acting gunner, at the Battle of Colenso and I would further commend
him to you for his constant zeal, ability and coolness under fire".
Wright later served with the Naval Brigade in China.
