Craske | John | | Captain | CRASKE, JOHN, Captain, was born 7 November 1869, son of Deputy Inspector General C B Craske, Madras Army, and Mrs Craske. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and was commissioned in the Leinster Regiment 1 March, 1890, becoming Lieutenant 18 December 1891, and Captain 31 March, 1897. He served in the South African War, 1900-1, taking part in operations in the Orange Free State in May 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including action at Wittebergen; operations in the Transvaal, October 1900; operations in Cape Colony, May 1900; operations in Orange River Colony 30 November 1900 to February 1901. He was present at the action of Slaap Kranz and General Prinsloo's surrender. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "John Craske, Captain, Leinster Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 24 October 1902. He was promoted to Major 11 May 1907. Major Craske served in the European War in 1914 and 1915, in command of the 6th Battalion Leinster Regiment 19 August 1914; was Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 19 August 1914 to 22 May 1915, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 23 May 1915. He was wounded, and was created a CMG in 1916. Lieutenant Colonel Craske married, in 1899, Clara Grace, daughter of Surgeon General W S Oliver, RAMC, and granddaughter of Sir Thomas Gait, of Toronto, Canada.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment (Royal Canadia |