| Ottley | George Frederic | | Major | OTTLEY, GEORGE FREDERIC, Major, was born 15 July 1860, son of George Lethbridge Ottley, late of the 44th Regiment, and Lucy, daughter of John Isbell, MD. He joined the Royal Wiltshire Militia 8 May 1878 and was given a commission as Second Lieutenant, 105th Light Infantry, 17 April 1880, becoming Lieutenant 10 November 1880, and Captain, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, 24 October 1885. He served at home from 17 April 1880 to 26 December 1884; at Malta from 27 December 1884 to 17 February 1887, and in India 18 February 1887 to 2 May 1892. From 2 March 1888 to 1 March 1892, he was Adjutant, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, serving with the 2nd Battalion with the Zhob and Ziderzai Expedition, and as Staff Officer of the Vihowa Column. He was again on home service 3 May 1892 to 9 December 1894, and then in India until 5 March 1899, serving as Acting Adjutant 14 February to 29 October 1895, and Officiating Station Staff Officer, 1st Class, 25 October 1896 to 12 July 1897; was with the Tirah Expeditionary Force, and present at the action of Shin Kaniar. He received the India Medal with two clasps. He was promoted Major 8 June 1898; served in Mauritius 6 March to 3 October 1899, and in the South African war from 4 October 1899 to 17 March 1900. He was present in the advance on Kimberley, and the battles of Belmont, Enslin and Modder River. At Modder River he was severely wounded (gunshot wound, right wrist [Colles fracture]; shell wound, head; multiple gun-shot wounds, left leg [leg amputated]). He received the Queen's South African Medal with two clasps; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June 1902]: "George Frederic Ottley, Major, Yorkshire Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 18 December 1902. He was Recruiting Staff Officer, 2nd Class, London, 20 July 1900 to 19 July 1905; was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 19 July 1902. Lieutenant Colonel Ottley was compulsorily retired on appointment as Assistant to Officer in Command of Records 19 July 1905, and held this post until 31 August 1914. During the European War he was Supervisor of Infantry Record Office, War Office, 1 September 1914 to 10 August 1916; Officer in Charge of Infantry Records from 10 August 1916, until replaced on account of illness 29 December 1917. He was mentioned to the Secretary of State for War, for valuable services rendered during the European War, 24 February 1917.
DSO, IGS 1895 (2) P-F 1897-98 Tirah, QSA (2) Bel M-R. KOYLI Regimental Museum 1992.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (King's Own) Yorkshire Light Infantry |
