| Livesay | Robert O'Hara | | Lieutenant | LIVESAY, ROBERT O'HARA, Lieutenant, was born 27 June 1876, only son of Colonel R A Livesay, RE. He was gazetted to the Royal West Surrey Regiment 5 September 1896, and became Lieutenant 18 May 1898. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, and took part in the Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and actions at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; in the operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill; in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony 30 November 1900 to September 1901, and November 1901 to 31 May 1902; also during the operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal in September and October 1901 (Despatches [London Gazette, 17 June 1902]; Queen's Medal with five clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June 1902]: "Robert O'Hara Livesay, Lieutenant, Royal West Surrey Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa. The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC, Transvaal, and presented at Bloemfontein, 4 March 1903. He was promoted to Captain 1 January 1903, and was Officer, Company of Gentleman Cadets, Royal Military College, 1 August 1904 to 31 July 1908; and Adjutant (attached General Staff), Officers' Training Corps, 21 June 1909 to 21 January 1911. Captain Livesay went on retired pay 7 January 1914, joining the Reserve of Officers, his previous full-pay service being from 5 September 1896 to 6 January 1914. He was recalled, and served 1 year and 58 days. Captain Livesav served in the European War, 1914—18; from 5 August 1914 to 12 May 1916, as GSO2, Central Force, Home Defence, 48th Division, BEF; as GSO2, 3rd Army, British Armies in France, 13 May to 12 July 1916; as GSO1, British Armies in France, 13 to 21 July 1916; was Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 13 July 1916 to 2 June 1917; was GSO1, New Zealand Division, British Armies in France, 22 July 1916 to 27 October 1917. He was GSO1, American Staff School, France, 28 October 1917 to 15 March 1918; GSO1, 61st Division, British Armies in France, 16 March to 5 September 1918; Temporary Brigadier General from 6 September 1918, commanding the 24th Infantry Brigade. He was mentioned in Despatches; was given the Brevets of Major, 3 June 1916; Lieutenant Colonel, 3 June 1917, and Colonel, 3 June 1918; and created a CMG in 1919. He was also given the Legion of Honour by the French. In 1917 he married Margaret, only daughter of William Pretyman, of Five Ways, Torquay.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Queen's) Royal West Surrey Regiment |
