| Fitzwilliam | William Charles De Meuron Went | | Captain | FITZWILLIAM, EARL (WILLIAM CHARLES DE MEURON WENTWORTH-FITZWILLIAM), Captain, Born 1872, son of Viscount Milton, JP, and Laura, daughter of Lord Charles Beauclerk. He was the 7th Earl Fitzwilliam. The first Earl served five times as Queen Elizabeth's Lord Deputy in Ireland, being created Baron Fitzwilliam in 1620. He was educated at Eton and at Trinity College, Cambridge; was ADC to the Marquess of Lansdowne in India, 1892-93; Major, 4th Battalion Oxfordshire Light Infantry. He was MP (Liberal Unionist) for Wakefield, 1895 to 1902. Lord Fitzwilliam served in South Africa, 1900, being employed under the Director of Supplies, Army Headquarters (graded as a Staff Captain), and taking part in the operations in Cape Colony and Orange River Colony, 1900. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April, 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "William Charles De Meuron, Earl Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, Captain, 4th Battalion Oxfordshire Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 25 July 1901. He succeeded his grandfather in 1902; became a Member of the County Council, Wicklow, and JP, County Wicklow and West Yorkshire, also DL, County Wicklow. Earl Fitzwilliam travelled much in India, Europe and America, and was much interested in engineering, especially mining engineering. His favourite recreations were hunting, riding, shooting, cycling and polo. He was created KCVO in 1911. He became a Major, 4th Battalion Oxfordshire Light Infantry, and Major, West Riding Royal Horse Artillery, 1908, and was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant Colonel in 1913. He served in the European War from 1914; was mentioned in Despatches, and created a CBE in 1919. In 1896 he married Lady Maud Frederica Elizabeth Dundas, daughter of the 1st Marquess of Zetland, and they had one son, Viscount Milton, born 31 December 1910, and four daughters.
KCVO, CBE (1st m), DSO, QSA (4) CC OFS Joh Belf, 1914 Star and Bar, BWM, Victory Medal with MID, 1897 Jubilee in silver, 1902 Coronation, 1911 Coronation. KRRC Museum Winchester 1996.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Oxfordshire Light Infantry |
