| Forbes | Harry | | Lieutenant | FORBES, HARRY, Lieutenant, was born 20 April 1865, son of Harry Forbes, of Muirton of Barro, Oldmeldrum. He was educated at Aberdeen Academy, and joined the Army in 1881. He served in South Africa, 1899-1901, being employed from 26 January 1901, onwards, as Station Staff Officer. Severely wounded in the campaign, he was present in operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; operations in the Transvaal, May and June, 1900, including action near Johannesburg; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Belfast (26 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8 September); operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Harry Forbes, Lieutenant, 4th Volunteer Battalion Gordon Highlanders. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent 25 April, 1901, to the GOC, Scottish District, and were presented by Colonel H H Matthias, CB, ADC. He was promoted Lieutenant Colonel, November 1914, and served in France in the European War from March, 1917 to January 1918. Lieutenant Colonel Forbes was a farmer and a breeder of Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Clydesdale horses. He had the Volunteer decoration. Lieutenant Colonel Forbes married, 27 April 1904, in Aberdeen, E E Cook, of Cardeu House, Aberdeen, and they had a daughter, E B Forbes, born 10 February 1905.
DSO VRI, QSA (5) CC OFS Joh Belf 01 (Lieut H. Forbes, Gordon Highrs), BWM (Lt Col H. Forbes), VM (Lt Col H. Forbes), 1935 Jubilee Medal, VD Ed VII, Volunteer Force LSM. Victorian (Lieut H. Forbes, D.S.O. 4th V. B. Gordon Highrs), Special Constabulary Long Service Medal (Inspr Harry Forbes). Aberdeen Medals Oct 07 £7,850.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Gordon Highlanders |
