| Poyser | Richard | | Veterinary Lieutenant Colonel | POYSER, RICHARD, Colonel, was born 7 April 1842, at Ashover, Derbyshire, son of Joseph Poyser, of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, and his wife, Anne Poyser (nee Frost). He was educated at Wirksworth Grammar School, and at the Royal Veterinary College, London, and joined the Army 12 September 1865; gazetted to 7th Dragoon Guards January 1867; exchanged into the Royal Horse Artillery, and in 1876 was transferred to the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), and served with that regiment, through the Afghan War of 1879-80, under General Sir R O Bright, KCB, being present, in the expeditions to the Lughman Valley and against the Wuzeeri Kugianis (Medal); joined the AVD, in 1883. Colonel Poyser was Principal Veterinary Officer, Chitral Relief Force, under Sir Robert, Lowe, KCB, 1895. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 15 November 1895]; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 21 January 1896]: "Richard Poyser, Veterinary Lieutenant Colonel, Army Veterinary Department. In recognition of services during the operations of the Chitral Relief Force". Insignia presented 28 June 1896. Till his retirement on 7 April 1897, he was PVO, Punjab Army, India, and was promoted to Colonel in 1902 for services during the South African War, and received the thanks of Earl Roberts, Commander-in-Chief. Colonel Poyser was a good polo player in the rougher game of the earlier seventies in India, and played with the Carabiniers later in England, for which, and other mounted sports, he had numerous trophies. He also went in for pig-sticking in various parts, and racing. He was a collector of war and memorial medals, and of old Chinese, English and other pottery and porcelain; old Persian and Indian swords, and Hindu Temple and other bronzes, etc. He married 11 January 1870, at, Peshawar, India, Annie Maria, daughter of John Cruiksliank, of Ecclefechan, Dumfries, and they had a son, Richard Cruikshank, MRCS and LRCP, Captain, RAMC, and two daughters, Annie (married to Colonel H G H Kennard, CBE, 5th Dragoon Guards), and Ida Evelyne (married to Major O E M Saunders, 5th Dragoon Guards). He died 4 June 1919.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Veterinary Department |
