| Ollivant | John Spencer | | Captain | OLLIVANT, JOHN SPENCER, Captain, was born 31 July 1872, son of Colonel E A Ollivant, of Nuthurst, Horsham. He was gazetted to the Royal Artillery 1 October 1892, and became Lieutenant 1 Oct 1895, and Captain 7 April 1900; was Divisional Adjutant, 5th Brigade, RA, 16 September 1900 to 31 March 1901, and Adjutant, RA, 1 April 1901 to 21 January 1904, serving in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. He was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations in the Transvaal, June to 29 November 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, January to March, and May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "John Spencer Ollivant, Captain, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 24 Oct, 1902. Captain Ollivant was Staff Captain, HQ of Army, 5 November 1904 to 4 November 1908; became Major 20 October 1909. He served in the European War in France and Flanders, 1914-19; as Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, RA, 21 August to 13 September 1915; became Lieutenant Colonel 14 September 1915; was Brigadier General, RA, 3rd Division, British Armies in France, from 24 July 1916. He was twice mentioned in Despatches; was given the Brevets of Lieutenant Colonel (18 February 1915) and Colonel (1 January 1918), and was created a CMG in 1917, and a CB in 1919.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
