| Lyle | Hugh Thomas | | Captain | LYLE, HUGH THOMAS, Captain, was born at Wilsborough, Eglinton, Londonderry, 24 April 1858, eldest son of the Reverend John Lyle of Knocktarna, and Mrs Lyle (nee Scott, of Wilsborough, Eglinton). He was educated at Uppingham, and Sandhurst, entering the Army 22 January 1879, and becoming Lieutenant 13 April 1881, and Captain 6 December 1885. He served in the Burma Campaign of 1885-86, and was dangerously wounded 22 April 1886, north of Bhamo, in the Kachin Hills, when in command of a raiding party. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1887]; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Hugh Thomas Lyle, Captain, Royal Welch Fusiliers. For services in Burma". Captain Lyle served in the Hazara Expedition in 1891, as Orderly Officer to Brigadier General Williamson, CB, and was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 20 October 1891]. He was promoted to Major 9 September 1896, and from 1899 to 1902 served in the South African War, as Second in Command of the 1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers. He took part in operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, including actions at Frederickstad (17 to 25 October 1900). Operations in Orange River Colony (May to November 1900), including actions at Wittebergen (1 to 29 July). Operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to September 1901. Operations in Orange River Colony, September 1901 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 9 July and 10 September 1901]; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, and received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps. He became Lieutenant Colonel 26 August 1902; commanded the 2nd Royal Welch Fusiliers 21 August 1903, to August 1907; was given the Brevet of Colonel 19 April 1905. He was placed on retired pay with the rank of Colonel 2 November 1907. He commanded the 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, September 1914, to July 1915, and was appointed to command the 17th Reserve Battalion Royal Irish Rifles in November 1915, which appointment he held to 9 May 1918, when the Ulster Division was disbanded. He received the CBE for services during the war. Colonel Lyle married, in 1886, Alice Fanny, second daughter of Sir Warren Hastings D'Oyly, 10th Baronet, and they had one son, Lieutenant Hugh D'Oyly, Royal Welch Fusiliers.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Welsh Fusiliers |
