| Kearsey | Alexander Horace Cyril | | Lieutenant | KEARSEY, ALEXANDER HORACE CYRIL, Lieutenant, was born 17 December 1877, son of Francis Kearsey, of Burstow Hall, Burstow, Horley, Sussex. He was educated at Rottingdean School, Clifton College, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, from which he was commissioned in the York and Lancaster Regiment 7 May 1896. He was promoted Lieutenant 20 June 1900, and took part in the South African War, 1899-1902, being present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including operations of 17 to 24 January 1900 (severely wounded at Venters Spruit, 20 January), and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tucela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in Natal (March to June 1900), including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); operations in the Transvaal, May to July 1901; operations in Orange River Colony, December 1901 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches twice (30 March and 9 November 1900), by Sir Redvers Buller, and in the London Gazette of 10 September 1901; and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Alexander Horace Cyril Kearsey, Lieutenant, York and Lancaster Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 14 March 1902. He was promoted Captain 12 March 1904, and was transferred to the 10th Hussars 22 February 1905; was Adjutant in the Territorial Force, April 1908 to March 1911, and graduated at the Staff College, Camberley, at the end of 1914, being promoted Major 11 November 1914. At the outbreak of the European War Major Kearsey was appointed to the Embarkation Staff at Southampton in November, and proceeded to Belgium, attached to the 1st Life Guards, 7th Cavalry Brigade, and was present at the First Battle of Ypres, and Neuve Chapelle. In 1915, he was attached to the Staff of the 7th Cavalry Brigade, and in August of that year was appointed Brigade Major to 1/2nd South-Western Mounted Brigade, and served with them in Gallipoli. He commanded the 5th Dorset Regiment for five months, till May 1916, and was then appointed GS01, with the 54th Division, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, and was present at the First and Second Battles of Gaza. He commanded the 1/5th King's Own Scottish Borderers, May to November 1917, being wounded at the Battle of El Teb. For his services he was mentioned in Despatches thrice, and holds the Serbian Decoration, Karageorge. He commanded the Cadet Wing, Royal Air Force, and was appointed Staff Officer, 1st Grade, 28 December 1918. Lieutenant Colonel A H C Kearsey has published 'The War Records of the York and Lancaster Regiment, South Africa, 1900-1902,1903'. He married, in 1907, the Honourable Frances Mitford, daughter of the 1st Lord Redesdale, and they had one son.
DSO, OBE (1st m), QSA (5) CC OFS RofL Trans L-N (Lt Y&L Regt), KSA (2) (Lt DSO Y&L Regt), 1914 Star (Capt 10 Hus), BWM (erased), Victory Medal (Lt Col RAF), [Order of the Nile (Egypt) 3rd Class, Order of Karageorge (Serbia) 4th Class with swords]. Lovell 1978 est £350. March 1990 £700. Liverpool 1997 (complete) £1,700.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | York and Lancaster Regiment |
