| Ives | Charles Marsh | | Lieutenant | IVES, CHARLES MARSH, Lieutenant, was born at Bradfield Hall, Norfolk, 10 September 1872, son of George Ives, of Bradfield Hall, Norwich. He was educated at Queen Elizabeth's School, Ipswich; was a Pastoralist in the interior of Australia; volunteered for active service at the outbreak of the Boer War, South Africa, and was given a commission, and served as Acting Lieutenant of the South Australian Mounted Infantry, taking part in the operations in the Transvaal and Rhodesia. He was mentioned in Despatches; received the Queen's Medal and five clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Charles Marsh Ives, Lieutenant, South Australian Mounted Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 25 July 1901. The following is an account of the particular deed for which he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order: "The British troops were surrounded at Ottoshoop by Boers, but in touch (by telegraph) with General Lord Methuen's Column. Information was received that the Boers were expecting reinforcements with artillery on a certain date. Lieutenant C M Ives volunteered to locate Boer laager, and ascertain the strength of Boers and artillery. He got through the Boer lines at night, located enemy laager ten miles from British camp, and returned with the necessary information, which enabled General Lord Methuen to surround and capture the laager". He was offered a commission in the British Army, but was unable to accept; volunteered for service in the European War, but failed in eyesight test. He married, 23 June, 1900, at Adelaide, South Australia, Beatrice, daughter of William and Jane Dobbie, and they had two children: Barbara, and Philip, born in 1913.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | South Australia contingent |
