| Spry | Leighton Hume | | Captain | SPRY, LEIGHTON HUME, Captain, was born 14 January 1871, eldest son of Arthur Hume Spry, Indian Civil Service. He was gazetted to the West Yorkshire Regiment as Second Lieutenant, from the Militia, 12 March 1892; became Lieutenant 22 November 1893; served in the Ashanti Expedition, 1895-96, for which he received the Ashanti Star, and was promoted to Captain 24 February 1900. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, as ADC to Major General, Infantry Brigade, 10 April to 23 August 1900, and as Staff Officer to Mobile Column 24 August 1900 to 19 June 1902, taking part in the operations in Natal, 1899; was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; during operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; in the operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900) and action at Pieter's Hill (slightly wounded). He took part during operations in Natal (March to June 1900), including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June); during operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to October 1900, including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8 September); served during operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902; was again severely wounded 19 December 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901 (Sir R H Buller, 30 March 13 September and 9 November 1900), and London Gazette, 29 July 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "Leighton Hume Spry, Captain, West Yorkshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was Brigade Major, India, 6 June 1907 to 26 October 1909; was DAAG, India, 27 October 1909 to 5 June 1911; promoted to Major 23 February 1912; GSO, 2nd Grade, Northumbrian Division, Northern Command, 16 March 1912 to 4 August 1914. On the outbreak of the European War he was GSO, 1st Grade, 5 August 1914 to 9 May 1915, and AA and QMG, 30th Division, BEF, 13 September 1915 to 9 April 1916, and Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, West Yorkshire Regiment, 10 May 1916. He married, in 1894, Emily, youngest daughter of W Peacock-Edwards.
DSO, Ashanti Star (Lt, W Yorks Regt), QSA (6) T-H RofL L-N Belf OFS CC (Capt, WYR), KSA (2) (Capt, DSO, RWY), 1914-15 Star (Lt Col, DSO), BWM, Victory Medal (Lt Col). Spink 1998 est £1,400-1,600.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Prince of Wales's Own) West Yorkshire Regiment |
