| Selby | William | | Surgeon Captain | SELBY, WILLIAM, Surgeon Captain, was born at Dunedin, New Zealand, 16 June 1869, youngest son of Prideaux Selby, Koroit, Park Hill, Croydon, and Rose Anne, daughter of John Wise. He was educated at Whitgift Grammar School, and St Bartholomew's Hospital (MRCS, England; LRCP, London, 1890; FRCS, England, 1905). He joined the Indian Medical Service in 1894, and in the following year served with the Chitral Relief Force, received the Medal and clasp, and in 1897-98, on the North-West Frontier of India, taking part in the operations on the Samana, during August and September 1897, and in the relief of Gulistan (two clasps); actions of Chagru Kotal, Dargai, and capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes; operations in the Waran Valley, and action of 16 November 1897; operations at and around Dwatoi and action of 24 November 1897; operations against the Khani Khel Chamkanis; operations in the Bara Valley 7 to 14 December 1897. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 5 April 1898], received a clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 20 May 1898]: "William Selby, Surgeon Captain, Indian Medical Service. In recognition of services during the recent operations on the North-West Frontier of India". The insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and the Presentation delayed until the furlough men returned to Dehra Dun. The Distinguished Service Order was presented at Dehra Dim on the 14th September 1898, by the Officer Commanding the troops there. He had become Captain 28 July 1897, and was promoted to Major 29 January 1906. Lieutenant Colonel Selby was Honorary Surgeon to the Viceroy and Principal of King George's Medical College, Luckuow. He died on the 8th of September 1916, and an obituary notice of him appeared in the 'Times' of 11 September 1916. He married Eliza Kinsman, daughter of Frederick Benjamin, Wood Lane, Falmouth, in 1896.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Medical Service |
