| Travers | Joseph Oates | | Captain | TRAVERS, JOSEPH OATES, Captain, was born 19 May 1867, son of Colonel H F Travers and grandson of Major General Sir Robert Travers, KCB, KCMG. He was educated at Bradfield College. He entered the Devonshire Regiment 25 August 1886; served in Burma, 1891-92, in the Wuntho Expedition (Medal with clasp); became Captain 20 February 1895. He was present in the operations on the NW Frontier of India, 1897-98 (clasp), and in the Tirah Campaign, 1897-98, taking part in the capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes. Captain Travers next saw active service in South Africa, 1899-1902, when he was present in operations in Natal, 1899, including actions at Elandslaagte, Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop. He took part in the Defence of Ladysmith, including the sortie of 7 December 1899, and action of 6 January 1900; operations in Natal, March to January 1900; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenburg (5 to 8 September). He was employed with the Imperial Yeomanry 1 August to 19 December 1901, and served with the South African Constabulary 30 December 1901 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Joseph Oates Travers, Captain, Devonshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant, etc, were sent to the GOC, Transvaal, 3 February 1903, and presented by the GOC, South Africa, at Pretoria, 5 March 1903. He became Major 22 November 1904, and Lieutenant Colonel 22 November 1912. Lieutenant Colonel Travers served in the European War from 1914. He was twice mentioned in Despatches; created a CMG, 1915, and promoted Colonel 22 November 1916; commanded the 199th Infantry Brigade, Home Forces, 20 May to 6 July 1916; commanded the 199th Brigade, Home Forces; British Armies in France, 7 July 1916 to 16 March 1918.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Devonshire Regiment |
