| Orr | Alexander Stewart | | Major | ORR, ALEXANDER STEWART, Major, was born 10 May 1861, son of William Orr, of Hougomont, Ballymena. He was gazetted to the Royal Irish Regiment 22 October 1881; served in the Egyptian Expedition, 1882, being present at the action at Kassassin and at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir (Medal with clasp, and Khedive's Star); was promoted Captain 30 October 1888; took part in the Hazara Expedition, 1888 (Medal with clasp); participated in operations on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, being present at the operations on the Samana (Medal with two clasps); was promoted Major 31 May 1900. Major Orr served in the South African War, 1899-1902, taking part in operations in the Orange Free State, March to May 1900; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, in November 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May to November 1900; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1900, including actions at Colesberg (24 January to 12 February). He was afterwards Station Staff Officer. Operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 25 April 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Alexander Stewart Orr, Major, Royal Irish Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 24 October 1902; the Warrant, etc, sent 4 November 1902. He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 19 February 1905, given the Brevet of Colonel 19 February 1908, and retired with the rank of Colonel in 1909. Colonel Orr died 10 January 1914.
DSO, Egypt (1) Tel El Kebir (Lt, RIR), IGS 1854 (1) Hazara 1888 (Lt, RIR), IGS 1895 (2) P-F 1897-98 Samana 1897 (Capt, RIR), QSA (3) CC OFS Trans (Maj DSO), KSA (2) (Maj DSO), Khedives Star 1882. Sothebys 1982 £900. Glendinings 1989 £850.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Irish Regiment |
