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(456 Records)

 Surname   Forename   Rank   Notes   Unit 
CouchmanGeorge Henry HolbecheCaptainCOUCHMAN, GEORGE HENRY HOLBECHE, Captain, was born 7 December 1859, son of Colonel E H Couchman, RA, and Mrs Couchman (nee Whitlock), daughter of Sir George Cornish Whitlock, KCB.  He was educated at Haileybury College, and joined the 13th Foot 11 May 1878, and became Lieutenant, Somerset Light Infantry, 20 March 1880, and Captain 1 August 1886.  He served in Burma, 1885-6-7; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 22 June 1886, and 2 September 1887]; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "George Henry Holbeche Couchman, Captain, Somersetshire Light Infantry.  For services in Burma".  He served again in Burma, 1891-92, taking part in the operations of the North-Eastern Column.  He became Major 9 March 1898, and was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 5 October 1898.  He commanded the 2nd Battalion Somersetshire Light Infantry, 1906-10.  He was DAQMG for Intelligence, Burma, 1892-98, and AAG, India, 1900-1902; was given the Brevet of Colonel 10 February 1904.  He commanded the South-Western Infantry Brigade from 1910 to 1914.  He retired in January 1914; commanded 107th Infantry Brigade, September 1914 to October 1915, and was Area Commandant, British Expeditionary Force, 1917-18-19.  He married, in 1899, Helen Mary, daughter of Richard S Chattock, of Newbury.  He was also awarded RHS Bronze Medal for saving life in 1897.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
(Prince Albert's) Somerset Light Infantry
CowanJames William AlstonCaptainCOWAN, JAMES WILLIAM ALSTON, Captain, was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 7 March 1899]: "James William Alston Cowan, Captain, Highland Light Infantry.  In recognition of services during the outbreak at Kandia on the 6th September 1898".  The Insignia were presented by the Queen on 11 May 1899.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Highland Light Infantry
CowanWalter HenryLieutenantCOWAN, WALTER HENRY, Lieutenant, Royal Navy, was born on 11 June 1871, at Alveston, son of Captain W F Cowan, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, of Alveston, Warwickshire.  He was educated on HMS Britannia, Dartmouth, and joined the Royal Navy in 1886.  He served in the Brass River Expedition, 1895; Mwele Expedition, August 1895, HMS Barrosa.  Received the Royal Humane Society's Medal for, with two Able Seamen of that ship, saving the life of a Sepoy of the 24th Baluchistan Regiment in the Pungwe River, East Africa, whilst on a punitive expedition.  He served in the Expedition to Benin, 1897.  Mentioned in Despatches for Benin; General African Medal with two clasps.  In 1898 he served in the Nile Expediton; in the Khartoum Campaign and at Fashoda, and in 1899 at the final defeat and death of the Khalifa.  Twice mentioned in Despatches, Sudan Medal and three clasps; Medjidie, Fourth Class; British Sudan Medal, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "Walter Henry Cowan, Lieutenant, Royal Navy.  In recognition of services in Egypt and the Sudan".  ADC to Lord Kitchener in the South African War, 1900, and subsequently Naval ADC to Lord Roberts (South African Medal and three clasps; mentioned in Despatches); MVO, 1904, and was promoted Captain, 1906.  From 1910 to 1912 he was Captain, HMS Gloucester.  He served in the European War; took part in the Battle of Jutland, in command of HMS Princess Royal, 31 May 1916.  and greatly distinguished himself.  He was mentioned in Despatches, created a CB, and a KCB 1 January 1919.  He was afterwards in command of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron, and served in the Baltic, 1919.  He became Captain, HMS Princess Royal, in 1916, and was Rear Admiral 2 September 1918.  Sir W Cowan married, in 1901, Catherine, daughter of Digby Cayley.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Navy
CowieHenry Edward ColvinLieutenantCOWIE, HENRY EDWARD COLVIN, Lieutenant, was horn 17 December 1872, son of H G Cowie, of the Indian Finance Department, and Tiverton, Devonshire.  He was educated at Shrewsbury, and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.  He was in the Football XI at Shrewsbury; in the Football XI at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and in the Royal Engineers Training Battalion Association Team, 1893-94.  He entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers 10 February 1893.  He was stationed at Chatham from 1893 to 1895, and in India from 1895 to 1900, in the Indian Public Works Department, Railway Branch; was promoted Lieutenant 10 February 1896.  He served in China, 1900, as Assistant to Field Engineer (Railways); was present at the Relief of Pekin; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 13 September 1901] (Medal with clasp).  He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 10 December 1901]: “Henry Edward Colvin Cowie, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers.  In recognition of services during the operations in China”.  The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC Troops in China, and presented by Major General Creagh.  He was employed under the Chinese Government 10 September 1902 to 28 January 1903; was promoted Captain 1 March 1904; Major 10 February 1913; became Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 18 May 1916.  He was created a CBE in 1919.  He married, in 1903, Mary Theodora, eldest daughter of the Reverend Daniel G Thomas.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Engineers
CoxWalter HulbertCaptainCOX, WALTER HULBERT, Captain, was born 9 January 1875.  He joined the Indian Medical Service 28 January 1898, in which he became Captain 28 January 1901.  He served in the China Campaign, 1900-1 (Medal), and on the North-West Frontier of India, 1901-2, in the Mahsud-Waziristan Expedition, for which he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 August 1902]; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 2 September 1902]: "Walter Hulbert Cox, Captain, Indian Medical Service.  For services during the Mahsud-Waziri operations".  The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief in India 30 October 1902; presented in Turkish Arabia (Baghdad).  He was promoted Major 28 January 1910, and later held the position of Superintendent of the Burma Lunatic Asylum.  Major Cox was an LRCP and LRCS Edinburgh; LFPS Glasgow, and held the Medico-Psychological Certificate. 
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Indian Medical Service
CoxheadThomas LanghorneLieutenantCOXHEAD, THOMAS LANGHORNE, Lieutenant, was born at Petersham, Surrey, 8 October 1864, 2nd son of Henry George Coxhead, Merchant, formerly of Hardwick House, and Susan Amelia, daughter of the Reverend Cornelius Thompson.  He was educated at Bute House, Petersham, Surrey, and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; entered the Royal Artillery 5 July 1884; served with the Burmese Expedition, with an elephant battery 10 October 1886 (severely wounded); Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Thomas Langhorne Coxhead, Lieutenant, Royal Artillery".  The, DSO was awarded (probably not for any particular act) for services generally during the 1886 Burma Campaign, on being mentioned by Lord Roberts in Despatches.  Lord Roberts, in a private letter to Lieutenant Colonel Coxhead, says: "It gives me great pleasure to express my opinion of your services as an officer of the Royal Artillery, especially during the Burma Campaign in 1886, when I was Commander-in-Chief in that, country.  Your conduct was brought to my notice at the time, and was such as to enable me to recommend yon for the Distinguished Service Order".  The Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Royal Artillery, Burma Field Force, remarked on the reports of Lieutenants Pullen and Coxhead "on the recent operations near Yermethin and Ningyan".  He said: "The reports of these officers do them much credit, the more so as the notes and sketches from which they were framed must have been made in the face of somewhat adverse circumstances".  Major Sorell, RA, wrote, 28 February 1887, of Lieutenant Coxhead: "This officer has served with the battery under my command from 20 April 1886.  He has been many times in action, both with me and in command of a half-battery of artillery, and on every occasion showed self-reliance, courage and knowledge of his duties rare in so young an officer.  He was on one occasion placed in command of a column, by his senior officer being killed, and brought it back from a difficult position with skill and tact.  He was very severely wounded on 10 October 1886, and had to be invalided home.  Brigadier General Lockhart, CB, CSI, asked for him as orderly officer, but his services at that time could not be spared.  I consider him about the best subaltern officer I have met during my service".  Lieutenant Coxhead's services were also specially mentioned in a report of Major General Sir G S White, KCB, VC, commanding the Upper Burma Field Force, published in the London Gazette of 2 September 1887.  He became Captain in July 1893.  Captain Coxhead married, in 1900, Eliza Lort Winter, daughter of the Reverend D Winter Morris, Vicar of St Ishmael's, Milford Haven, and their children were: John Ralph Winter Coxhead, born, 19 May 1903, and Caroline May Coxhead, born 8 May 1907.  From August 1900 to August 1901 Captain Coxhead served as Brigade Major with the China Expeditionary Force.  He received the China Medal, and was specially mentioned in a Despatch of Lieutenant General A Gaselee, commanding the British Contingent, China Field Force [London Gazette, 13 September 1901].  He was promoted Major May 1903; Lieutenant Colonel 21 May 1912, and retired 13 July 1912.  Lieutenant Colonel Coxhead was appointed a Military Knight of Windsor, 1914.  He was in the RMA Cricket Eleven, 1883 and 1884, and played three times for the RA in the RA and RE matches later, and played golf for the RA.  He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel RGA on outbreak of war on 10 September 1914.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Artillery
CroftonMorgan SamuelMajorCROFTON, MORGAN SAMUEL, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, was born 2 January 1850, son of Reverend Morgan Crofton.  He was educated at Cheltenham College, and joined the Army in 1868, as Ensign, South Staffordshire Regiment From 1879 to 1880 he served on the Staff in South Africa, and in the Zulu War.  In June 1879, he was on special service, and as Staff Officer and DAQMG from October 1879, to April 1880 (Medal with clasp).  From 1881 he was ADC to the General Commanding, Scotland; and in 1884-86 he served in the Nile Expedition; was mentioned in Despatches; received the Medal with clasp and Bronze Star, and was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel.  He was also created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 November 1886]: "Morgan Samuel Crofton, Major and Brevet Lieutenant Colonel, South Staffordshire Regiment.  For Action of Ginniss".  From 1894 to 1899 he was Chief Staff Officer in South Africa, and he was created a CB in 1899; was promoted to Colonel and was Chief Staff Officer, Eastern District, Commanding the Eastern Counties Militia Brigade.  In 1894 Colonel Crofton married Ruperta, daughter of  Colonel Charles Edward Gostling Murray, and widow of W H Willats, of Denton Court, Kent.  Colonel Crofton died on 9 January 1916.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
South Staffordshire Regiment
CroftsRichardMajorCROFTS, RICHARD, Major, was born 11 August 1859.  He joined the Royal Army Medical Corps 31 January 1885.  He took part in the expedition against the Jebus, Lagos, in 1892; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 1 July 1892], and received the Medal and clasp.  He became Major 31 January 1897, and in 1898 served in Sierra Leone, taking part in the Karene Expedition.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 29 December 1899], and received a clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 9 January 1900]: "Richard Crofts, Major, Royal Army Medical Corps.  In recognition of services whilst employed in Sierra Leone".  The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Officer Commanding Troops, Sierra Leone.  The DSO was presented to him by Lady Cardew, wife of the Governor of Sierra Leone, at a parade of all the troops in garrison in review order 19 May 1900.  The DSO was presented at the same time to Major Morgan.  Major Crofts was Senior Medical Officer, Sierra Leone.  He retired from the Royal Army Medical Corps 31 January 1905.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Army Medical Corps
CubittWilliam GeorgeLieutenant ColonelCUBITT, WILLIAM GEORGE, Lieutenant, was born on 19 October 1836; the son of Major William Cubitt, the Honourable East India Company's Service, and Harriet Harcourt.  He was educated privately, and entered the 13th Bengal Native Infantry in 1853.  He served in the Santhal Campaign, after which he went through the Mutiny.  He took part in the defence of the Residency, was wounded, mentioned in Despatches, and received the Medal with clasp, and was awarded the Victoria Cross for saving the lives of three men of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, during the retreat after the action of Chinhut [London Gazette, 21 June, 1850]: "William George Cubitt, Lieutenant, 13th Bengal Native Infantry.  Date of Act of Bravery: 30 June, 1857.  For having on the retreat from Chinhut, on the 30th June 1857, saved the lives of three men of the 32nd Regiment at the risk of his own".  He was promoted Captain in 1805; served in the Duffla Expedition of 1874, and was mentioned in Despatches.  In 1879 he became Lieutenant-Colonel; served in the Afghan War of 1878-80, but was invalided from Ali Musjid in the hot weather of 1880, and nearly succumbed to a very serious illness, the result of blood-poisoning, while quartered at Ali Musjid.  He was promoted to Colonel in 1883; served in the Akka Expedition of 1885 (Despatches).  Colonel Cubitt served through the Burma War of 1887, and for his services in this campaign was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]; "William George Cubitt, VC, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, Bengal Staff Corps, commanding at the Ruby Mines, Burma".  Colonel Cubitt married, in Fort William, Calcutta, Miss Charlotte Isabella Hills, daughter of James Hills of Neechindapur, Bengal, whose second son was General Sir James Hills-Johnes, VC, GCB.  Their surviving children were: Major William Martin Cubitt, born 13 June, 1864; James Edward Cubitt, born 6 October 1865; Ethel Mary (married), and Helen Anne Thomas (married); Lewis Hills Cubitt, born 20 September 1872, died 1 July 1911.  Colonel Cubitt retired from the Army in 1891.  He died at Camberley on the 23rd January 1903, and was buried at Frimley.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Bengal Staff Corps
CumminsGeneral James TurnerLieutenantCUMMINS, JAMES TURNER, Lieutenant Colonel, was born in 1843, son of Nicholas Cummins, JP, of Ashley House, and Myrtleville House, County Cork.  He was educated at Cheltenham College, and at Addiscombe, and entered the Madras Army in 1861.  He married, in 1869, Louie, daughter of  T Dunman,   (Commissioner of Police, Straits Settlements), of Clovelly, Bournemouth.  He became Captain in 1873, was transferred to the Madras Staff Corps in 1875; became Major in 1883; Lieutenant Colonel in 1887, and Colonel in 1894.  He served in the Afghan Campaign, 1878-80, and in both Bazar Valley Expeditions, as Staff Officer, Kurram Valley Transport (Medal, Brevet of Major).  He served in the Egyptian Expedition of 1882, as Second-in-Command of the Punjab Mule Corps; with the Sudan Expedition of 1885, taking part in the operations at and burning of Tamai (Medal with clasp and Bronze Star).  For his services in the Burma Campaign of 1880-89, he received special mention in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1887]; received the Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "James Turner Cummins, Lieutenant General, Madras Staff Corps.  For services in Burma".  He was AAG, Madras Forces, in 1895, since when he was QMG.  He served in China 14 May 1901; was created a CB, and received a Medal.  Major General J T Cummins died 14 October 1912, at 8 King's Avenue, Baling.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Madras Staff Corps
CunninghamGeorge GlencairnCaptainCUNNINGHAM, GEORGE GLENCAIRN, Captain and Brevet Major, was born 24 July 1862, second son of Major William Cunningham, MSC, and of Mrs William Cunningham: He was educated at Wellington and Sandhurst, and was gazetted to the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry 22 October 1881; served in the Egyptian War of 1882, including El Magfar, Tel-el-Mahuta, Kassassin (twice wounded; Despatches [London Gazette, 19 September and 2 November 1882]; Medal; Brevet of Major 15 August 1889; 4th Class Medjidie and Khedive's Star).  He took part in the Nile Expedition, 1884-85, with the River Column (clasp); served with the Egyptian Army with the Sudan Frontier Field Force, 1887-89, including Sarras, Arguin (wounded) and Toski (Despatches [London Gazette, 6 September 1889]; 4th Class Osmanieh; clasp).  He commanded the Unyoro Expedition, 1895 (wounded; Despatches and Medal).  In 1895 and 1896 he commanded the Nandi Expedition.  He was mentioned in Despatches and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 3 November 1896]: "George Glencairn Cunningham, Captain and Brevet Major, The Derbyshire Regiment.  In recognition of services during the recent operations against the slave-trading Arabs in the Uganda Protectorate".  Personally decorated by Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor on the 24th November 1896.  He was Assistant Commissioner and Commandant of Troops, Uganda, 1895-96; served in the Niger-Sudan Campaign, 1897, as Second-in-Command; Expeditions to Egbon, Bida and Ilorin (Despatches, 11 June 1897; Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 16 June 1897; Clasp).  In the Sierra Leone Rising, 1898-99; in command and as OC Mendiland and Karene Columns and Protectorate Expedition (Despatches 29 December 1899; Brevet of Colonel 10 January 1900; clasp).  He commanded the West African Regt, in 1899.  He served in the South African War 1899-1902, on the Staff, and in command of a portion of the Lines of Communication.  Operations in Natal, 1899.  Operations in the Orange Free State February to May 1900, including actions at Vet River (5 and (5 May), and Zand River.  Operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June) (horse wounded).  Operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to September 1900.  Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Zilikat's Nek.  Operations in the Orange River Colony May to July 1900.  Operations in Cape Colony May to July 1900.  Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900.  Operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900, to February 1902.  Operations in Cape Colony February to March 1902.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; created a CB; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps and the King's Medal with two clasps.  He became temporary Brigadier General, Plymouth Garrison Brigade, 5 August 1914, and retired with the honorary rank of Brigadier General 24 December 1910.  He was created a CBE, 1919.  Brigadier General G G Cunningham married, in 1902, Dorothy L, daughter of  R Yeo, and they had one son and one daughter.  George Glencairn Cunningham was born in Rangoon in July 1862, the second son of Major William Cunningham, Madras Staff Corps. Educated at Wellington College and at Sandhurst, young George was commissioned into the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry in October 1881.  Quickly seeing action out in Egypt in the following year, where he was present with the 2nd Battalion at the engagements at El Magfar, Tel-el-Mahuta and Kassassin, Cunningham was severely wounded in the latter action by guns shots to the shoulder and thigh. Notwithstanding the first of these wounds, he fought on until felled by the second one, a display of dogged determination and courage that received appropriate recognition in Sir Garnet Wolseley's despatch of September 1882, written on the back of Major-General Graham's report from Kassassin: ‘The conduct of the soldiers of all arms was excellent, and many gallant deeds were done throughout the action. Two recent instances have come to my notice of men, who, being painfully wounded early in the day, continued to do their duty until severely wounded later on. One, on the 28th ultimo, was that of Lieutenant G. G. Cunningham, of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry; and the other, on 25th ultimo, was that of Gunner Joseph Knowles, of N Brigade, A Battery, Royal Horse Artillery. As it is by soldier-like courage of this nature that the British Army has always maintained its high reputation, I have great pleasure in bringing these names to your notice.'  A second ‘mention' followed in Sir Garnet's subsequent despatch which was published in The London Gazette on 2 November 1882, in addition to a 5th class Medjidie.  Cunningham was back in action in the Gordon Relief Expedition 1884-85, when he accompanied the River Column, and in the operations of 1887-89 in the Sudan, where he was attached to the Egyptian Army with the Sudan Frontier Field Force and fought at Sarras, Arguin - where he was again wounded - and Toski. He was subsequently mentioned in despatches for good services at the latter action by Major-General F. Grenfell, and awarded a 4th class Osmanieh.  Having been given the Brevet of Major towards the end of the Sudan operations, Cunningham transferred to the Sherwood Foresters in the summer of 1889. But this new regimental association was all but in name, for an opportunity of further active service beckoned in the form of attachment to the Uganda Rifles.  And so it transpired, for between April and May 1895, he commanded the Unyoro Expedition, his force consisting of ‘6 companies of Sudanese (500 men), 20,000 Walanda, 2 Hotchkiss guns and 3 Maxim guns', with which he forced the Nile and defeated rebel chief Kaberega's army. In so doing, he collected another wound and another ‘mention', in addition to the Central Africa Medal.  But greater reward was to follow, for in October of the same year, and still as a Major, he found himself leading the first ever expedition against the Nandi, the latter having pushed their luck too far by consistent raids on British caravans and the mail. With around 1000 men under his command, Cunningham fought at least one major action against the belligerent tribesmen. At one point some 500 WaNandi charged to within 30 yards of Cunningham's Sudanese troops, but the superior fire power and discipline of the latter won the day, the enemy sustaining heavy loss. British casualties amounted to just 14 men. Cunningham was duly mentioned in despatches and awarded the D.S.O., receiving his insignia from the Queen at Windsor on 24 November 1896.  Returning to Africa, where he had more recently acted as Assistant Commissioner and Commandant of Troops, Uganda, Cunningham was quickly back in action in the Niger operations of 1897, when he led No. 2 Company of the Royal Niger Constabulary in the expeditions to Egbon, Bida and Ilorin. He was also senior ranking Officer present, but command was actually given to Lieutenant A. J. Arnold, 3rd Hussars, who had local rank of Major. Cunningham received a brace of ‘special mentions' for these operations, one of them for the action near Bida in late January, when the advance was held up by masses of Fulani horsemen, estimated at between 20-30,000 in number. Magor takes up the story:  ‘The Fulani attacked again and again until they had been driven back to the great ten foot high crenelated red mud wall of Bida. It was obvious that although the Nupes attacked the square recklessly and with great gallantry, they could not succeed against the fire of the artillery, maxims and rifle volleys of the Constabulary, who stood firm against the charges of the cavalry. Bida was shelled and the Nupes fled in panic ...'  Cunningham's second ‘special mention' was for the the attack on Ilorin in February, when once again our square was submitted to frequent charges from the gallant Fulani horsemen, all of whom continued to show complete disregard for their foe's superior weaponry. It was only after two days of bitter fighting, and having suffered horrendous casualties, that the horsemen fled, and Ilo(Sherwood Foresters) Derbyshire Regiment
DaubeneyEdward KayeCaptainDAUBENEY, EDWARD KAYE, Captain, was born 3 May 1858, son of the Reverend T Daubeney, of Eastington, Cirencester.  He was educated at Wellington, joined the Army 11 May 1878, and served in the 80th Foot through the Sekukuni Campaign of 1878 and the Zulu War of 1879, being present at Ulundi (South African Medal and clasp for 1878—79).  He became Lieutenant, South Staffordshire Regiment, 1 December 1880.  In 1884-85 he served in the Nile Expedition, with the Egyptian Army (Egyptian Medal with clasp for the Nile and Khedive's Bronze Star).  He was promoted to Captain 7 August 1886, and again saw active service in the Sudan in 188G, as ADC to the Brigadier General commanding the Nile Frontier Force, Egypt, and was present at the action of Ginniss.  He was mentioned in Despatches and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 November 1886]: "Edward Kaye Daubeney, Captain, South Staffordshire Regiment.  For Action at Ginniss".  Captain Daubeney had been employed with the Egyptian Army from 28 February 1884 to 30 October 1885.  He was promoted to Major, 18 November 1896, and was Adjutant, Militia, 21 January 1896 to 20 January 1901.  He became Lieutenant Colonel 16 October 1903, and was given the Brevet of Colonel 16 October 1906, becoming substantive Colonel 4 July 1908.  Colonel Daubeney served in the European War from 1914, as temporary Brigadier General commanding the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire Brigade.  From 1915 he commanded the Warwickshire (Infantry) Brigade, and from 1916 the Reserve Highland Brigade.  He retired with the rank of Brigadier General in 1918.  He was awarded the CBE in 1919.  He married Eileen Gertrude, daughter of Sir P Fitzgerald, Baronet, 19th Knight of Kerry, and they had one son.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
South Staffordshire Regiment
DaviesThomas Arthur HarknessCaptainDAVIES, THOMAS ARTHUR HARKNESS, Captain, was born in Calcutta, 29 November 1857, third son of Major General Horatio Nelson Davies, Bengal Staff Corps, and Helena Adelaide, daughter of John Anderson, HEIC, of Straquhan, Dumfries.  He was educated at Wellington; joined the Devonshire Regiment 11 September 1876; served in the Afghan War (Medal), and was Adjutant, 2nd Battalion from 1889 to 1892.  He was SSO Madras Command, from 1892-1894; served in the Wuntho Expedition, Burma, 1892; commanded the NE Column in the Kachen Hills, Burma, in 1892; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 January 1893]: "In recognition of services during the recent operations in Burma and the Chin Hills.  Thomas Arthur Harkness Davies, Captain, Devonshire Regiment".  The Decoration was sent out to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and was presented in Burma 31 May 1893.  He commanded the Sima Column in the Kachin Hills, Burma, in 1893; served in the Tirah Expedition, 1897 (Medal and two clasps); in South Africa, 1899-1902, including operations on the Tugela Heights, the Relief of Ladysmith and Belfast (Despatches, Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, Medals and five clasps).  He became Colonel 23 February 1907; was created a CB in 1909; retired 14 December 1910; served in the European War from 1914, commanded 9th Devon Regiment (Kitchener's Army) from September 1914 to September 1915.  The following is part of the Despatch of General Sir H Stewart, KCB, Commanding Burma Division on operations of Columns in Burma, 1902-3: "All the officers commanding columns have acted with energy and spirit, and I particularly wish to bring to notice the services of Captain Davies and Major Yule; the former officer, although a comparatively young officer, has commanded his column with judgment, and I consider his services worthy of notice.  ...  I consider Captain Davies has conducted the operations of the column entrusted to his command with skill and discretion". 
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Devonshire Regiment
DavisGeorge McBrideSurgeon Lieutenant ColonelDAVIS, GEORGE McBRIDE, Lieutenant Colonel, was born at Newry, Ireland, 29 March 1846, third son of Dr W A Davis and of Mrs W A Davis.  He was educated at a private school; Queen's College, Belfast, and the Royal University of Ireland (MB, MCh); entered the Bengal Medical Service as Assistant Surgeon 1 April 1869, becoming Surgeon 1 July 1873, and Surgeon Major 1 April 1881.  He served on the NWF of India, Mahsud-Waziri, 1881; Miranzai (1st) 1891; Hazara, 1891 (Medal with clasp); became Brigade Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel 17 January 1894; served in Waziristau as PMO, Delimitation Escort, 1894.  He was present at the action at Wano, 1894; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 14 June 1895], received a clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 August 1895]: "George McBride Davis, Brigade Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Medical Service.  In recognition of services during the recent operations in Waziristan".  The Insignia were presented 11 September 1895.  He served in the operations on the NW Frontier of India, 1897-98, with the Tirah Expeditionary Force as Principal Medical Officer, 2nd Division; was present at the actions of Dargai, Sampagha, etc, and in the march down the Bara (Despatches [London Gazette, 5 April 1898]; Medal and two clasps, and created a CB, 1898).  He became Surgeon Colonel 2 April 1898.  Colonel Davis took part in the China Campaign of 1901 as PMO Expeditionary Force (Despatches [London Gazette, 13 September 1901]; Medal).  He served on the NW Frontier of India, in Waziristan, 1901-2, as PMO; received a clasp, and was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 August 1902].  He was later Principal Medical Officer at Peshawar.  Colonel G McBride Davis, who had retired 24 October 1907, was granted the Good Service pension in 1900.  He died 4 October 1909.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Indian Medical Service
de BrettHarry SimondsLieutenantDE BRETT, HARRY SIMONDS, Lieutenant, was born 20 September 1870, was educated at Clifton, and joined the Royal Artillery 15 February 1889, becoming Lieutenant 15 February 1892.  He served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, taking part in the action at Maizar, Tochi.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 7 December 1897], received the Medal with clasp and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 7 January 1898]: "Harry Simonds de Brett, Lieutenant, Royal Artillery.  In recognition of services at Maizar, in the Tochi Valley, 10 June 1897".  The Warrant, Insignia and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and the Insignia presented on 22 March 1898, by the GOC, Tochi Brigade, at a Brigade Parade.  He became Captain 1 September 1899, and was Adjutant, Royal Artillery, 7 July 1900 to 2 January 1901, serving in the South African War from 1899 to 1900, and taking part in the operations in the Orange Free State February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (26 February); actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein (Queen's Medal and three clasps).  He served in China in 1900 (Medal).  He was Brigade Major, India, 31 October 1904 to 31 October 1908; became Major 15 September 1909; was specially employed in Somaliland 11 November 1909 to 21 May 1910 (Medal with clasp); GSO2, War Office, 30 September 1910 to 17 December 1914.  He, served in the European War from 1914, as GSO2, 28th Division, New Armies, British Expeditionary Force, 18 December 1914 to 11 August 1915; GS0.1, 3rd Division, British Expeditionary Force, British Armies in France, 12 August 1915 to 16 November 1916; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1916; became Lieutenant Colonel 18 June 1916; was Brigadier General, Royal Artillery, Heavy Artillery, 3rd Army Corps, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, 4 March 1918 to 14 July 1918; AAG, War Office (temporary), 1 September 1918.  He was created a CMG in 1917, and given the Brevet of Colonel 1 January 1919.  He married, in 1901, Alice Maud, second daughter of  Arthur Davies, and they had one son and one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Artillery
de LisleHenry de BeauvoirLieutenantDE LISLE, HENRY DE BEAUVOIR, Lieutenant, was born 27 July 1864 son of Richard V de Lisle, of Guernsey, and of his wife, C E de Lisle.  He was educated in Jersey, and joined the Durham Light Infantry at Gibraltar, as Lieutenant, 10 March 1883.  He served in the Sudan in 1885 and 1886, with the Frontier Field Force, being employed with the Mounted Infantry.  He was mentioned in Despatches and awarded the DSO for his services at the Battle of Ginniss, and for special service connected with the attack on the fort at Ambigole Wells by Arabs.  He carried Despatches unto the beleaguered fort at Ambigole Wells, south of Wady Haifa, Egypt, and broke out with two men with news that, for want of ammunition and water, the fort could not hold out for more than 24 hours.  It was relieved the next morning.  See the entry for Radwan Hassan Bey.  His DSO was gazetted 26 November 1886: "Henry de Beauvoir de Lisle, Lieutenant, Durham Light Infantry.  For Action at Ginniss".  He became Captain 1 October 1891, and was Adjutant, Durham Light Infantry, 1 July 1892 to 30 June 1896.  For ten years he was Captain of the Durham Light Infantry Polo team.  Captain de Lisle passed the Staff College in 1899.  He served in South Africa from the beginning of the war in 1899 to the end, on the Staff (including command of a Mounted Infantry Battalion, of 2nd Mounted Infantry Corps, of mobile column, of Cavalry Brigade (temporary), and of Australian Commonwealth Brigade).  He raised and commanded the 6th Mounted Infantry, and an independent column of Mounted Infantry, from 1 June 1900 to 14 August 1902.  He was present at the Relief of Kimberley.  Operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Karee Siding, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May), and Zand River.  Operations in the Transvaal, actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill; operations west of Pretoria(Venterskroon), severely wounded (14 August).  Operations in Orange River Colony (May to August, and September to November 1900), including actions at Wittebergen (1 to 29 July), and Bothaville.  Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900, including actions at Colesberg (1 January to 12 February).  Operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony, and Cape Colony, 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 4 May 1900, 8 February and 16 April 1901, and 29 July 1902]; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 2 January 1902; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a CB.  He had become Major, Durham Light Infantry, 1 January 1902; 5th Dragoon Guards, 22 October 1902, and 1st Royal Dragoons, 19 December 1903; and Lieutenant Colonel 2 February 1906.  He was given the Brevet of Colonel 22 August 1906, and commanded the 1st Royal Dragoons from 1906 to 1910.  He was promoted to Colonel 2 February 1910.  From 1 March 1910 to 4 August 1911, he was GSO, 1st Grade, 2nd Division, Aldershot Command; and he was Brigade Commander, 2nd Cavalry Brigade, from 5 August 1911 to 9 October 1914.  He served in the European War from 1914, as temporary Major General from 10 October 1914 to 17 February 1915; and became Major General on 18 February 1915.  He commanded the 2nd Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, from 10 October 1914; the 29th Division from 4 June 1915; the 13th Corps from 12 March 1918; and the 15th Corps from 10 April to the end of the war.  He was promoted Major General for services in the field, and created a KCB 1 January 1917; promoted Lieutenant General 1 January 1919, and created KCMG June 1919; was created Commander of the Legion of Honour, 1918; Grand Officer, Order of Leopold, 1919, and Grand Cross, White Eagle of Serbia, 1919.  Sir Beauvoir de Lisle married in 1902, Leila, daughter of Wilberforce Bryant, of Stoke Park, Stoke Poges, Bucks, and they had one son.  From time to time in the histories of the South African War we get glimpses of De Lisle and his wild horsemen scaling impossible places, achieving wonderful feats of arms.  One cannot tell all the tale of them, but these short extracts may form a fitting end to this all too brief notice of De Lisle: There is a fascinating description of the operations at Houtnek {Thoba Mountain) in the official 'History of the War in South Africa' Durham Light Infantry
DeedesWilliam HenryLieutenant ColonelDEEDES, WILLIAM HENRY, Colonel, was born 23 February 1839, at Cadogan Place, London, son of William Henry Deedes (Civil Service, India Office), and Harriet M Deedes, daughter of the Reverend John Jeffreys.  He was educated at Rugby, and was gazetted to the Rifle Brigade as Ensign on 1 May 1855.  He became Lieutenant Colonel 9 August 1882, and Brevet Colonel in December 1886.  He served in the Burmese Expedition in 1886-87, commanding the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade.  The following is an extract from the Records at Simla: "History of the Burmese War, 1885-86-87: Diary of Events.  Colonel Deedes, Rifle Brigade, with a small party of riflemen and sappers, whilst reconnoitring, came upon an obstruction in a nullah.  The party consisted of Lieutenant Radclyffe, seven riflemen, nine sappers (natives), and a few Burmese Police.  The latter bolted, and the sappers did not join in the charge up the hill.  The party lined the bank, and the sappers were sent down to clear it.  Fire was opened on them from an ambush, and two sappers were killed.  Colonel Deedes, while endeavouring to drag one of the sappers (mortally wounded) out of the fire, was himself severely wounded.  The party then charged, and the enemy fled.  A corporal was also severely wounded when charging".  "From the Commander-in-Chief, Mandalay, 1 December 1886: In action near Mimba, on 30th December, Colonel W H Deedes and Corporal C Deadman, both of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade, severely wounded.  They are doing well".  "December 15th, 1886: Colonel Deedes was wounded while carrying a wounded soldier out of fire; a Havildar of Sappers being killed at the same time".  He was severely wounded; mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1887]; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "William Henry Deedes, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, Rifle Brigade.  For Operations in Burma".  He retired with the rank of Major General 7 December 1887, and died at Cimiez 20 October 1915.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
(Prince Consort's Own) Rifle Brigade
DeningLewisMajorDENING, LEWIS, Major, was born in 1848, son of John Dening, of Pitt House, Ottery St Mary.  He was educated in Devonshire, and entered the 75th Regiment 11 May 1867, as Ensign; was transferred to the 39th Regiment 11 June 1868, and to the BSC 20 April 1871.  He married firstly, at Plymouth, in 1872, Eliza Janet (died in 1876), daughter of W Bales, of Plymouth; and secondly, in 1877, Beatrice Catherine, daughter of  E J Scott, of Portland Lodge, Southsea.  His sons were: Major Lewis Eales Dening; Major Harold Dening; Captain Roland Dening, and Lieutenant John Pitt Dening.  His daughters were Honoria, wife of Colonel A J Macnab, IMS; Irene, wife of Major L Gascoigne, RFA; Gladys Violet, and Eva Joan.  He served in the Afghan War, 1878-79 (Medal); was Brigade Major, Bengal, 1880-81, and DAAG, Bengal, 1885; became Captain 11 May 1879.  He served with the Burma Field Force, 1886-87; was mentioned in Despatches; Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Lewis Dening, Major, Bengal Staff Corps".  Personally thanked by the Commander-in-Chief; was promoted Major 11 May 1887, and Lieutenant Colonel 11 May 1893; served with the Expedition to Dongola in 1896 (British and Egyptian Medals); with the Mohmand Field Force, 1897-98; mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 11 January 1898];.  Brevet of Colonel 11 May 1897; Colonel 1 September 1900.  Medal with clasp.  He served with the Waziristan Expedition, 1901-2; mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 August 1902]; Clasp; created a CB; became Lieutenant General, 1 January 1904; commanded Burma Division, India, 7 February 1907; Lieutenant General 11 December 1907; KCB in 1909.  Sir Lewis Dening died 16 February 1911, at Jubbulpore, India, when en route for England.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Bengal Staff Corps
DeshonCharles JohnLieutenant ColonelDESHON, CHARLES JOHN, Lieutenant Colonel, was born 18 December 1840, son of Lieutenant Colonel C J Deshon, 17th Regiment.  He entered the Army 22 December 1859.  He became Lieutenant Colonel 21 December 1886, and served in the Burma Campaign, 1886-87; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1887].  In 1888 he took part in the Hazara Expedition, commanding Royal Artillery; was mentioned in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 April 1889]: "For services during the operations of Hazara.  Charles John Deshon, Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Artillery".  He became Colonel 21 December 1890; was put on half-pay 21 December 1891, and on retired pay 9 March 1892.  He married in 1864, Mary Henrietta (who died in 1911), eldest daughter of Major Loftus Cassidy.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Artillery
DickenWilliam PophamLieutenant ColonelDICKEN, WILLIAM POPHAM, Colonel, was born 19 March 1834, eldest son of William Stephens Dicken, MD, IMS, Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals, Bengal, and of Catherine Lamb, youngest daughter of Captain Joseph Lamb Popham, RN, and niece of Admiral Sir Home Popham.  He was educated at Blundell's School, Tiverton, at Charterhouse, and at Addiscombe, and entered the Madras Army on 9 December 1853.  He became Captain in 1865; Major, Madras Staff Corps (now Indian Army) in 1873; Lieutenant Colonel in 1879; Brevet Colonel in 1883: Colonel 9 December 1883; Colonel Commandant, 3rd Madras Light Infantry (now 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry) in 1884.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 22 June 1886, and 2 September 1887]; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "William Popham Dicken, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, Madras Staff Corps.  For services in Burma".  He was awarded a Distinguished Service Pension in 1890; created a CB in 1891, and placed upon the Unemployed Supernumerary List 9 December 1891.  Colonel Dicken died 4 May 1912.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Madras Staff Corps
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