| O'Donnell | Thomas Joseph | | Major | O'DONNELL, THOMAS JOSEPH, Major, was born 18 January 1858, third son of P O'Donnell, High Constable of the Barony of Glenquin, of Killeedy, Ashford, County Limerick. He was educated at Stanislas' College, Tullabeg, King's County, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Health. He served with the Field Artillery, Egypt, 1881-82 (Medal and Bronze Star). Under Sir C Warren, with the Kimberley Light Horse, in the Bechuanaland Expedition, 1885; with the Inniskilling Dragoons, in the operations in Zululand, 1888. After twelve years' service, he became Major, Royal Army Medical Corps, 5 February 1893. Major O'Donnell served in the Tirah Campaign, with the 3rd Battalion The Rifle Brigade, 1897-98 (Medal with clasp). He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, and was present at the advance on Kimberley, including the action at Magersfontein; Relief of Kimberley; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Karee Siding, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River. Operations in the Transvaal in May and June, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June). Operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including actions at Bethlehem (6 and 7 July) and Wittebergen (1 to 29 July); operations in the Transvaal, July 1901 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 March, 1900, and 16 April, 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps; King's Medal with two clasps; and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Thomas Joseph O'Donnell, Major (now Lieutenant Colonel), Royal Army Medical Corps. In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 3 June, 1901. He had become Lieutenant Colonel 5 February 1901; was promoted to Colonel 7 July 1910; was PMO, India, 7 July 1910; Administrative Medical Officer, Southern Command, up to the 6th July 1914. He served in the European War from 1914; was Assistant Director of Medical Services 5 August 1914 to 31 December 1914; Deputy Director-General of Medical Services 1 January 1915; became Surgeon General 13 February 1915; was Administrative Medical Officer at Tidworth. Surgeon General T J O'Donnell was mentioned twice in Despatches (1914 and 1916) for his services in the European War, and was created a CB in 1916 and a KCIE in 1919. He retired 18 January 1918. Sir T J O'Donnell was fond of hunting, shooting and racing, and rode many winners in South Africa and India.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Army Medical Corps |
