| Olliver | Spencer Alwynne | | Lieutenant | OLLIVER, SPENCER ALWYNNE, Lieutenant, was born in May 1859, at Kingston Manor, near Worthing, son of George Olliver, DL, of Kingston Manor, Sussex, and Fanny, daughter of John King, of Southampton. He was educated for the Navy at a preparatory school, and after that at the Naval School, Portsmouth; passed into the Britannia, and joined the Royal Navy in 1872, retiring as Lieutenant in 1882. He served in South Africa, 1900 and 1901, with the West Australian Mounted Rifles; resigned his commission in 1901, and joined Baden-Powell's South African Constabulary as Captain (commission dated 3 March 1900). For his services in the South African War he received the two Medals and seven clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "S A Olliver, Lieutenant, West Australian Mounted Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by HRH the Duke of Cornwall and York on his visit to Natal 14 August 1901. Captain Olliver died at Pretoria on 28 April 1902, and an obituary notice describes the action for which he had been awarded the DSO: Spencer Alwynne Olliver, DSO, South African Constabulary, who died on 28 April, at Pretoria, of enteric, as has been announced, was the youngest son of George Olliver, DL, of Kingston (Sussex). He was born in 1859, entered the Royal Navy, 1872, and retired as Lieutenant in 1882. Shortly after the outbreak of the war he joined the West Australian Mounted Rifles, in which he did gallant service; was mentioned in Despatches, and received the DSO. He was afterwards transferred to the SAC, in which he was serving at the time of his death, which occurred after he was pronounced out of danger and shortly expected home. The last fight with which Captain Olliver was prominently connected was described by Reuter's correspondent as a smart engagement, which took place on 6 February, between a force of West Australians, Dragoon Guards and Cape Police, and Kruitsinger's Commando, in Cape Colony, about 15 miles from Klipplaat. The British force, numbering only 27 men all told, was under the command of Captain Olliver, and was carrying Despatches. On drawing close to Featherstonehaugh's Farm, they sighted a small body of Boers. To the rear of the Boers was a fairly high kopje, and on this they fell back. Hot firing ensued, and the Boers, after being reinforced, executed a wide detour, and surrounded Captain Olliver's little band. Just before sunset a body of Boers, estimated at 5O0, opened a terrific fire upon the two kopjes held by the British, and about 200 of their horsemen were seen to be charging the British position. Not one of the gallant band so heavily outnumbered thought of surrendering, but eventually they were all overpowered and captured. The Boers admitted five killed, one of whom was shot by Captain Olliver at five yards distance. After being marched three miles under escort, and stripped of their arms and ammunition, the prisoners were released. The death of the gallant captain, at the end of the war, and after much laborious and distinguished service, is naturally a great blow to his relatives and friends". An obelisk was erected, inscribed as follows: "In memory of Sergt. John Jacobs, age 30 years, Private Samuel Chance, age 22 years, Private James Peck, age 22 years, 7th Dragoon Guards, who with 28 others under Captain Olliver for seven hours kept at bay a force of over 400 of the King's enemies, and thus nobly died at Featherstonehaugh 6 February 1901. This stone was erected by the residents of Klipplaat and vicinity". Captain Olliver had married Sophy, daughter of Henry Duncan.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | West Australia contingent |
