| Evatt | John Thorold | | Captain | EVATT JOHN THOROLD, Captain, was born 1 August 1861, son of Henry Ashmore, 90th Light Infantry, and Public Works Department, Ceylon, and Mary Frances, daughter of the Reverend John Hinde. He was educated at Whitgift School, Croydon, and entered the 54th Foot 23 April 1881, as Second Lieutenant, from the 4th or Royal South Middlesex Militia; became Lieutenant, Dorset Regiment, 1 July 1881, and Indian Staff Corps 14 July 1883, becoming Captain, Indian Staff Corps, 23 April 1892. He served in Burma, 1891-92, with the Tlang-Tlang and Tashon Columns (Medal with two clasps); took part in the operations on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, serving in the Mohmand and Malakand operations in Bajaur; also with the Tirah Expeditionary Force (Medal with two clasps). He served in British East Africa in 1898, taking part in the expedition against the Ogaden Somalis (Medal and clasp). Captain Evatt served in Uganda, 1898-99, and was in command at the capture of Kabarega and Mwanga, Kings of Unyoro and Uganda. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 January 1900]; received a clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 9 January 1900]: "John Thorold Evatt, Captain, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services in Uganda". The DSO was presented by Her Majesty's Commissioner and Consul-General in Uganda. Captain Evatt was again in command in the Nandi Expedition in Uganda in 1900 (was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 24 April 1901, and the Medal with clasp). He was promoted to Major 23 April 1901. He raised and commanded the first Indian Contingent for Uganda; commanded the Uganda Military Force; raised and commanded the 2nd Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles; became Lieutenant Colonel 1 June 1904; was given the Brevet of Colonel 30 April 1904; became Substantive Colonel 23 November 1907, and Temporary Brigadier General, Commanding the Madras Brigade until 1910. He retired from the Army 23 April 1913, with the rank of Brigadier General, and was appointed Colonel of the 39th Garhwal Rifles in 1914. Brigadier General J T Evatt was re-employed in 1914, and appointed Brigade-Commander (mentioned in Secretary of State's Despatch [London Gazette, 25 January 1917). He subsequently served as Deputy Assistant Censor, 1916-17, and as Area Commandant in France in 1917.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
