| Thomas | Godfrey Vignoles | | Lieutenant Colonel | THOMAS, SIR GODFREY VIGNOLES, Lieutenant Colonel, Bart, was born 21 March, 1856, at Hafod, Cardiganshire, son of Sir Godfrey John Thomas, 8th Bart, and Emily, daughter of W Chambers. He succeeded his father as 9th Baronet in 1861; was educated at Brighton College, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and was gazetted to the Royal Artillery 28 January 1875. He served in the Afghan War, 1878-79, being present at the occupation of Kandahar and Khelat-i-Ghilzai (Medal). He served in the Egyptian Expedition, 1882-84, and was present at the action at Kassassin of 9 September; at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, and the forced march to Cairo (Medal with clasp and Bronze Star). He was promoted to Captain 1 January 1884, and in that year served in the Sudan, being present at the Battle of Teb (horse killed), Relief of Tokar, Battle of Tamai, and affair at Tamanieh (two clasps, 4th Class Medjidie). He was Adjutant, Royal Artillery, 2 April 1890 to 2 March 1892, and became Major 3 March 1892. He served in the South African War, 1899-1901, being present in the advance on Kimberley and at the Relief of Kimberley. Operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg; actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Karee Siding, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Zand River and Vet River (5 and 6 May). Operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill. Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria. Operations in Orange River Colony, including actions at Bethlehem and Wittebergen. CRA, Johannesburg District. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April and 7 May 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with seven clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Godfrey Vignoles Thomas, Bart., Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 17 February 1901. Sir Godfrey Thomas became Lieutenant Colonel 14 November 1900, and was given the Brevet of Colonel 10 February 1904, becoming Colonel 6 August 1906. He was created a CB in 1904; was Staff Officer for Horse and Field Artillery, Southern Command, 6 August 1906 to 21 December 1907 and retired 18 January 1911. He served in the European War as Brigadier General, 3rd Division, Royal Artillery, 1914-17. Sir Godfrey Thomas died in 1919. He had married, 30 April 1887, in London, Mary F Isabella, daughter of C Oppenheim, of 40 Great Cumberland Place, LOndon and they had one son, Godfrey John Vignoles Thomas, born 14 April, 1889.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
