| Hughes-Hallett | James Wyndham | | Major | HUGHES-HALLETT, JAMES WYNDHAM, Major, was born at Petham, near Canterbury, Kent, 15 September 1852, third surviving son Reverend James Hughes-Hallett, of Higham, Canterbury, and Dunmow, Essex, and of Mary Frances, eldest daughter of General Sir Thomas Gage Montresor, KCKH. He was educated at Haileybury and Sandhurst, and was gazetted to the 53rd Foot as Sub-Lieutenant 26 June 1872, and transferred to the 72nd Foot 15 November 1872, becoming Lieutenant, 27th Foot, 26 June 1873. He served during the Afghan War, 1878-70, with the Kurrain Field Force, and was present at the reconnaissance in force and assault and capture of Peiwar Kotal, and at the passage of Chappri defile. He was mentioned in Despatches, and received the Medal and clasp. He became Captain, Seaforth Highlanders, 2 September 1880, and served in the Egyptian Expedition of 1882, being present at the engagement of Chalouf; at the seizure of the Suez Canal, east of Ismailia; at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir, occupation of Zagazig and of Cairo. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 September 1882]; received the Medal with clasp, and the Khedive's Bronze Star. He became Major 27 March 1800, and in 1895 served with the Chitral Relief Force, in command of the 2nd Battalion of his regiment. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 15 November 1895], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 21 January 1896]: "James Wyndham Hughes-Hallett, Major, Seaforth Highlanders. In recognition of services during the operations of the Chitral Relief Force". He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 22 December 1897. Lieutenant Colonel Hughes-Hallett served in South Africa, 1899-1902, in command of his regiment and temporarily in command of the Highland Brigade. He took part in the advance on Kimberley, including the action at Magersfontein. Operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900 (including operations at Paardeherg, 17-26 February); actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein. Operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900 (slightly wounded), including actions at Wittebergen (1 to 29 July). Colonel Hughes-Hallett distinguished himself in the South African War. After the death of General Wauchope he took command of the Highland Brigade at Magersfontein. We read also, in the 'Official History of the War in South Africa', how he relieved the garrison at Jagersfontein, and of his services under General Macdonald and under Sir Bindon Blood. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; was given the Brevet of Colonel; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a CB. He was promoted to Colonel 5 August 1902; commanded the 72nd and 79th Regimental Districts, 1902; was created a CVO in 1905. On 5 August 1906, half-pay, late Regimental District, and on 20 October 1906, on retired pay. He commanded the Gordon Volunteer Infantry Brigade, 1906; commanded the Gordon Territorial Brigade, 1906-11. His favourite recreations were shooting and cricket. Colonel Hughes-Hallett married, on 26 October 1893, Alice, daughter of Captain Harry William Sanders.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Duke of Albany's Ross-shire Buffs) Seaforth Highl |
