| Ker | Charles Arthur | | Lieutenant | KER, CHARLES ARTHUR, Lieutenant, was born 18 April 1875, at Clifton, Gloucestershire, son of Charles Buchanan Ker, of Clifton, Gloucestershire. He joined the Royal Artillery 15 June 1895. He became Lieutenant 15 June 1898; was employed with the West African Frontier Force 16 February 1898 to 9 April 1899; took part in the operations on the Niger, including the Illah Expedition, and was present at four engagements, including that of Iseli Nipatima. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 23 May 1899]; received the Medal and Clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 9 January 1900]: "Charles Arthur Ker, Lieutenant, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services in the recent operations in the Niger Territories". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief, South Africa, and the DSO presented by the Colonel on the Staff, Commanding Royal Artillery, 22 April 1900, at Ladysmith (Vide Sir R Buller, 22 April 1900). He served in the South African War, 1897-98, and was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5-7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights (14-27 February 1900). Operations in Orange River Colony, November 1900, to April 1901 (Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; Queen's Medal with six clasps). Lieutenant Ker was promoted to Captain 1 March 1901; was Divisional Adjutant, Plymouth, Royal Artillery, 6 October 1902 to 31 March 1903; Adjutant, Royal Artillery, 1 April 1903 to 5 October 1905. He was Officer, Company of Gentlemen Cadets, Royal Military College, Camberley, 1 September 1906 to 21 January 1910; Student at the Staff College, Camberley, 1910 to 1911; DAA and QMG, South-West Coast Defences, Southern Command, 6 June 1912 to 21 April 1914; GSO, 2nd Grade, Royal Military College, Kingston, Canada, 22 April 1914 to 30 November 1914; was awarded the Brevet rank of Major 5 August 1914. He served in the European War. Was Brigade Major, Royal Artillery, 1 December 1914 to 30 April 1915; GSO, 2nd Grade, Royal Artillery, France, 1 May 1915 to 1 February 1916; GSO, 1st Grade, France, 5 February 1916 to 23 May 1916; GS01, Royal Naval Division, British Armies in France, 24 May 1916 to 28 July 1916; GS01, Lines of Communication, British Armies in France, 29 July 1916 to 22 December 1916; GSO1, attached Portuguese Division, British Armies in France, 23 December 1916 to 6 January 1918; Brigadier General, General Staff (British Mission, attached to Portuguese Expeditionary Force, British Armies in France), 7 January 1918. He was twice mentioned in Despatches; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1917, and of Colonel 1 January 1918, and created a CMG. On 18 July 1898, at Yealmpton, Devonshire, he married Blanche, second daughter of Charles Bewes, of Gnaton Hall, Devon, and their children were: Alan Charles Bewes Ker and Mary Blanche Ker.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
