| Fowler | Francis John | Lieutenant | FOWLER, FRANCIS JOHN, Lieutenant, was born 31 July 1864, at Mian Mir, India, son of Deputy Surgeon Goneral Henry Day Fowler, Indian Medical Staff, and of Caroline Mary Fowler (nee Oliver). He was educated at King William's College, Isle of Man; at Bedford Modern School, and at Sandhurst became Lieutenant, North Lancashire Regiment, 25 August 1883; served in the /hob Valley Expedition in 1884, and was transferred to the Indian Staff Corps 13 November 1885. He served in the Burmese Expedition, 1887-8-9; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette of 29 November 1889)], for services in Upper Burma; received the Frontier Medal and clasp for Burma, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 November 1889]: "Francis John Fowler, Lieutenant, Bombay Staff Corps. In recognition of services in Expedition to Burma". The St James's Gazette of 5 July 1888, says: "The recapture of Mom- from the rebel leader, Twek-nga-lu, in the beginning of May is a good example of what rapid and determined action will do with a semi-civilized enemy. The relieving party, under Colonel Sartorius, of the 1st Beloochees, started at daybreak, in a downpour of rain, from a village in the lulls to the west of Mono. About two miles from the town, Mr Scott, the Assistant-Superintendent of the Shan States, with Lieutenant Fowler, of the Beloochees, and six men of the Rifle Brigade, mounted on officers' ponies, went off from the main column to make a dash on the palace. Mr Scott had been in Mone several times before, and was able to take the party by a jungle path round the south of the town. From there they galloped straight on the palace, disregarding the armed men in the streets. The eastern gate was fortunately ajar, so that it was not necessary to dismount. The clatter of the hoofs brought Twek-iiga-lu to a window. Mr Scott knew him by sight, and, with the assistance of a soldier, had the rebel tied to his own bedpost within two minutes of entering the palace enclosure, which is over a hundred yards square and full of detached houses. Twek-nga-lu had a repeating rifle loaded with sixteen cartridges lying by his bedside, but had not time to seize it. The four gates were then closed and guarded by one man each, and another guarded Twek-nga-lu. Mr Scott and Mr Fowler, with the corporal of the party, then went to meet the bodyguard of twenty men, all armed with guns. Mr Scott demanded the name of the leader, who proved to be Twek-nga-lu's chief fighting-man. He then announced who he was, and called on them in Shan to sit down, advancing all the time. Kun-sang, the leader, refused; whereupon Mr Scott promptly knocked him down, seized the gun of the man behind him, and shouted out that he would shoot anyone who did not sit down immediately. The corporal and Mr Fowler each covered his man as he came on. Before the Shans could realize the situation five had been disarmed and the rest then gave in. Messrs Scott and Fowler collected all the guns and swords, the corporal kneeling in the Hythe position, ready to fire. In five minutes the palace was completely in their hands, and the main column was heard firing to the north of the town. A quarter of an hour later they marched into the palace and found everything settled, Twek-nga-lu bound and his chief leaders under guard. When it is considered that the town was held by 400 men and that the force inside the palace outnumbered the capturing party by nearly ten to one, the affair may be considered as successful an example of prompt daring as is to be found out of a lady's romance. The capture of Twek-nga-lu is likely to have the most satisfactory results. The disturbances which broke out in the Southern Shan States during April were mainly due to his advance and his intrigues, and now that he and his chief leaders have been captured the complete establishment of peace may be anticipated". The above was also published in the St James's Budget, 7 July 1888. He became Captain 25 August 1894, and again saw active service in Uganda in 1897-98, being present at the action at Jeruba. He was mentioned in Despatches; received the Brevet of Major 4 October 1899, and the East and Central Africa Medal with two clasps. He served in China, 1900-1 (Medal). On 22 January 1901, he was promoted to Major; on 28 January 1907, to Lieutenant Colonel, and on 6 May 1911, to Colonel. From 1908 to 1910 he commanded troops in Somaliland (Medal and clasp). Colonel Fowler was AQMG, India, 19 December 1913 to 18 November 1914. He was Temporary Brigadier General 19 November 1914 to 11 February 1916; commanded the Derajat Brigade from 19 November 1914 to 13 February 1916. He was created CB, [London Gazette, 1 January 1916]. Joined the Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force in February 1916, in command of a brigade; was wounded on 8 March 1916, and invalided in September 1910; commanded the Poona Divisional Area from 1 December 1916; commanded at Kurachi. Major General F J Fowler married, on 8 June 1896, at Godalming, Surrey, Rita Mary, daughter of Colonel G Sartorius, CB, Indian Army. He retired 1 January 1921.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Bombay Staff Corps |
| Fowler | John Sharman | Lieutenant | FOWLER, JOHN SHARMAN, Lieutenant, was born 29 July 1864, son of R Fowler, JP, DL, of Rahinstown, Co Meath, and Mrs Fowler. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and was commissioned in the Royal Engineers, as Lieutenant, 6 January 1886, serving in the Isazai Expedition in 1892. In 1895 he took part in the operations in Chitral, and served with the Gilgit Force during the fighting near and defence of the post of Reshan (wounded). He was afterwards with the Relief Force and was present at the action at Mamagai. Lieutenant Fowler was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 July 1895], received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 16 July 1895]: "John Sharman Fowler, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the recent operations in Chitral". He became Captain 24 September 1895. In 1897 and 1898 he served on the North-West Frontier of India, taking part in the Mohmand Expedition; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 11 January 1898], and received a clasp. He also received a clasp for the Tirah Expedition in 1897-98. Captain Fowler served in South Africa on special service from 1899 to 1902. He was present at the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900. Operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; Director of Telegraphs, Orange River Colony, 1 June 1900 to 1 September 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 17 June 1902]; was given the Brevet of Major 26 June 1902; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps. He became Major 21 December 1903. Major Fowler was DAAG, 2nd Division, Aldershot Army Corps, 13 March 1905 to 11 May 1905, and from 1 June 1905 to 7 March 1909; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 18 January 1911; was GSO2, Staff College, 1 January 1911 to 31 March 1913, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 31 December 1911. From 5 August 1914 to 15 May 1918, he was Director of Army Signals, BEF, and from 16 May 1918 to 21 May 1919, Director of British Signals, British Armies in France. He was given the Brevet of Colonel 1 January 1916; was temporary Brigadier General from 26 October 1914 to 31 December 1916; and was promoted to Major General 1 January 1917. He was created a CB in 1915, and a KCMG in 1918. Sir John Fowler married, in 1904, Mary Henrietta Olivia, daughter of John M Brooke, and they had two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Fraser | lan Mackenzie | Lieutenant | FRASER, IAN MACKENZIE, Captain, Royal Navy, was born 15 November 1854, at Dundee, eldest son of Captain lan Fraser, 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, of Whitehill, County of Fife, and Charlotte, daughter of John Mackenzie, of Ness House, Inverness. He was educated at a private school, and joined the Royal Navy on 25 August 1868; became Lieutenant, 1879. He married, 7 December 1887, Effie, daughter of William P Edwards, JP, of 17 Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh, and Broadwell, Perth. He served in command of HMS Sparrow, and was Second in Command of Naval Brigade at night attack on Fodey Kabba, at Marige, Gambia, 1891 (highly mentioned in Despatches, received the thanks of the Governor of Gambia, specially commended by him to the Secretary of State for the Colonies); was in command of HMS Sparrow with Gambia Expedition, 1892, resulting in the capture of Tambi and Toniataba (Medal with clasp; created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 10 January 1893]: "In recognition of his services in the recent operations on the West Coast of Africa. lan Mackenzie Fraser, Lieutenant, Royal Navy". Decoration, Warrant and Statutes sent to Admiralty for presentation; presentation reported by the Admiralty 27 June 1893). He became Commander in 1893; Captain (retired), 1904. Appointed Divisional Coast Watch Officer and Competent Naval Authority for Coastal Area, Llanrhystyd (Wales) to Solway Firth, 21 July 1915.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Navy |
| Fraser | Norman Warden | Lieutenant | FRASER, NORMAN WARDEN, Lieutenant, served in South Africa, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 7 May 1897]: "Norman Warden Fraser, Lieutenant, West Riding Regiment. In recognition of his services during the recent operations in South Africa, 1898". The Insignia were presented to him by the Queen at Windsor 19 May 1897. DSO. Morton & Eden May 06.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Duke of Wellington's) West Riding Regiment |
| Frere | Bartle Compton Arthur | Captain | FRERE, SIR BARTLE COMPTON ARTHUR, Major, Baronet, was born on 24 October 1854, only son of the Right Honourable Sir H Bartle E Frere, GCB, GCSI (1st Baronet), and Catherine, daughter of Lieutenant General the Right Honourable Sir George Arthur (1st Baronet). He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, taking his BA degree, and was gazetted to the Rifle Brigade; served in the Zulu War in 1879 (Medal with clasp); in the Bechuanaland Expedition in 1884-85 (Brevet of Major). For his services in the Burma Campaign of 1886-88 he received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 3 August 1888]: "For services during the operations in Burma, Sir Bartle Compton Arthur Frere, Baronet, Captain and Brevet Major, The Rifle Brigade". The Decoration was awarded for services in command of the mounted infantry of his regiment, the 1st Rifle Brigade, in the operations against the Dacoits in Upper Burma, including the pursuit and capture of Boh-Toke-Ji, a noted Dacoit chief. He succeeded his father as 2nd Baronet in 1884, and retired from the Army 6 December 1893.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Prince Consort's Own) Rifle Brigade |
| Galway | Henry Lionel | Captain | GALWAY, HENRY LIONEL, Captain, was born 25 September 1859, son of Lieutenant Colonel Sir Thomas Lionel Gallway, KCMG, Colonel Commandant, Royal Engineers, and Alicia Dorinda Lefanu (who died in 1905), daughter of Major Macdougall, late King's Own Scottish Borderers. He was educated at Cheltenham College, and Sandhurst, and was gazetted Second Lieutenant in the 58th Foot 11 May 1878, and transferred to the 30th Foot 19 October 1878. He became Lieutenant, East Lancashire Regiment 30 March 1881, and was ADC to the Commander-in-Chief and Governor, Bermuda, 22 December 1882 to 22 August 1888, and 13 October 1888 to 26 May 1889; was promoted to Captain 1 October 1887, and was Deputy Commissioner and Vice Consul, Niger Coast Protectorate, 4 July 1891 to 28 January 1897; was present in several minor operations against natives in the Protectorate, 1891-1902, and concluded a treaty with the King of Benin at Benin City, 1892. In 1895 he commanded the Hausa Force under Sir Frederick Bedford at attack and capture of Nirube, and further operations against Brass villages. In command of the forces of the Niger Coast Protectorate. He was mentioned in Despatches, received the Medal and clasp, and was created n, Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 10 April 1896]: "Henry Lionel Gallway, Captain, East Lancashire Regiment. In recognition of services in the recent operations against Nirube and Brass villages". (His name was changed to Galway by Deed Poll, dated 3 November 1911.) He was Acting Consul-General, Niger Coast Protectorate, etc, 1896-1898, and was appointed Deputy Commissioner and Consul, Niger Coast Protectorate, 29 January 1897. Ho was attached to Sir H Rawlinson's Intelligence Staff, and also in command of a Hausa Company during the operations in the Benin country, including the capture of Benin City, 1897; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 7 May 1897]; was given Brevet of Major 25 May 1897. He was promoted to Major 18 March 1899; received a clasp, and was created a CMG, 1899. He was Acting High Commissioner, Southern Nigeria, 1900; Chief Political Officer, Aro Expedition, 1901-02; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 12 September 1902], and received the Medal and clasp. He retired from the Army 24 February 1902. He was Divisional Commissioner, Southern Nigeria; Governor of St Helena, 1902-11; was created a KCMG, 1910; was Governor of the Gambia, 1911-14; Governor of South Australia, 1914; Lieutenant Colonel Sir H L Galway married, in 1913, Baroness Marie Carol, daughter of Right Honourable Sir Rowland Blennerhasset, 4th Baronet, and widow of Baron Raphael d'Erlaiiger.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | East Lancashire Regiment |
| Gascoigne | Ernest Frederick Orby | Lieutenant | GASCOIGNE, ERNEST FREDERICK ORBY, Lieutenant, was born 19 April 1873, son of Lieutenant Colonel Gascoigne, formerly of the Grenadier Guards. He entered the Grenadier Guards 23 March 1892; became Adjutant, 1st, Battalion Grenadier Guards, 1898; served in the Sudan, in the Nile Expedition of 1898, and was present at the Battle of Khartoum. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 30 September 1898]; received the Egyptian Medal with clasp, the Medal, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "Ernest Frederick Orby Gascoigne, Lieutenant, Grenadier Guards. In recognition of services in Egypt and the Sudan, including the Battle of Khartoum". (The Insignia presented by Queen Victoria at Windsor 1 December 1898.) He became Captain 28 October 1899; served in the South African War, 1900-2, on the Staff (as Brigade Major, 16th Infantry Brigade), from 13 March 1900; during operations in the Orange Free State, April to May 1902; during operations in the Orange River Colony (May to 29 November 1900), including actions at Biddulphsberg and Wittebergen (1 to 29 July). Operations in the Orange River Colony 30 November 1900, to February 1901, and March 1901 to 31 May 1902. Operations in the Transvaal, February to March 1901, and was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; received Brevet of Major 26 June 1902; Queen's Medal with three clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps. He was placed on the list of officers considered qualified for Staff employment, in consequence of service on the Staff in the Field. Major Gascoigne married, in 1902, Cicely, third daughter of General Edward Clive, Grenadier Guards, and they had four sons and one daughter. He retired from the Army 24 July 1907; entered the Reserve of Officers, and was appointed to the Royal Bodyguard (Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms) in October 1912. He served on the Staff in the European War; was in the Dardanelles, 1915 (Despatches; Brevet Lieutenant Colonel; St Anne, Second Class, with Swords). He served in Europe in 1916, with the temporary rank of Brigadier General, and was mentioned in Despatches. For his services in Palestine in 1917 he was mentioned in Despatches, created a CMG, and given the honorary rank of Brigadier General, 1918.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Grenadier Guards |
| Gatacre | William Forbes | Lieutenant Colonel | GATACRE, WILLIAM FORBES, Colonel, was born 3 December 1843, at Herbertshire Castle, Stirlingshire, the residence of his grandmother. He was the third son of Edward Lloyd Gatacre, JP of Gatacre in Shropshire, and of Jessie, daughter of William Forbes, of Callendar, Stirlingshire. It is shown in Doomsday Book that the family were King's Tenants of Iands of this name before the Conquest; John de Gatacre was High Sheriff in 1409, and Sir William's father held the same office in 1856. Young Gatacre entered the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in August 1860, and in February 1862, was gazetted an Ensign in the 77th Foot, which he joined in India. In 1873, he passed into the Staff College, and from 1875 to 1879 was Instructor in Surveying at the Royal Military College. Later he officiated for a year as DAA and QMG at Aldershot. In 1880 he returned to India with his regiment, succeeding to the command in 1884 at Secunderabad. In 1885 he was appointed DQMG at Headquarters by Sir Frederick Roberts, Commander-in-Chief in India. It was while holding this post in 1888 that he had his first taste of active service, being appointed Chief Staff Officer to Sir John McQueen, commanding a small punitive force sent against the tribes of the Black Mountain. The battle force of 8,000 men was divided into three columns; one day, in order to get in touch with Galbraith's Column in the Indus Valley, Gatacre volunteered to make his way across the mountains on foot. The mission was successfully accomplished in twenty-four hours, and as Gatacre was the only man to complete the double journey, the feat attracted considerable notice at the time. He was mentioned in Despatches, awarded the Frontier Medal with Hazara clasp, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 April 18S9]: "For services during the operations of Hazara. William Forbes Gatacre, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, Half-Pay". In 1889 Gatacre was sent to Mandalay as Brigadier General Acting for Sir George Wolseley, and there earned another bar to his Frontier Medal. In 1893 he was given the substantive appointment of Adjutant-General, Bombay Army, with the rank of Brigadier General, a post which he held for nearly four years under three successive Commanders-in-Chief. In January 1894, he was appointed to the command of the Bombay District. The following year he was commanding the 3rd Brigade of the Chitral Relief Force under Sir Robert Low. The object of this expedition was the relief of Surgeon Major Robertson, who, with a small garrison, was reported to be shut up in the Fort at Chitral. Gatacre's Brigade was in reserve during the first action at the Malakand Pass; but after crossing the Panjkora River the 3rd Brigade was pushed forward, encountering some opposition at Mamugai. Shortly after this Gatacre got permission to advance rapidly up the valley with a lightly-equipped force of 500 men. The Lowari Pass was under snow, but good progress had been made when the news came through that the siege had been raised on 22 April on the approach of Colonel Kelly's Force moving southward from Gilgit. Sir R Low's troops made their way on to the Fort, establishing such good lines of communication, as they traversed passes and valleys hitherto unknown to Englishmen, that the route then cut has become the roadway for the annual reliefs. For his part in this campaign, Gatacre received the CB, the thanks of the Government of India, and the new Frontier Medal with clasp. Gatacre's last few months in his substantive post at Bombay were marked by a severe outbreak of bubonic plague. He presided over the commission set up to provide hospitals and to carry out precautionary measures, and before the hot weather of 1897 the situation was well in hand for that season. In August that year Gatacre came home to take up the command of an Infantry Brigade at Aldershot, but had only held the post five months when he was sent to Egypt to take command of the British Brigade which was to form part of Sir Herbert Kitchener's Expedition for the recovery of Khartoum. Soon after his arrival at Railhead, Gatacre was summoned by the Sirdar to bring his troops by forced marches to Berber. On Good Friday, 8 April 1898, a fierce and effective-action took place with the Dervish Army on the banks of the Atbara, in which the British Brigade took a prominent part. The advance on Omdurman was planned for the early autumn, but before the move began, the arrival of another brigade of British troops had raised Gatacre's command to a division, and he was given the permanent rank of Major-General. The Battle of Omdurman was fought on 1 September, and Khartoum was occupied next day. In recognition of his services Gatacre was gazetted KCB, and received from the Khedive the Order of the Medjidie, Second Class. His name appears next to Lord Kitchener's in the Vote of Thanks-in both Houses of Parliament. A new British Medal for Egypt was issued for all ranks, and an Egyptian one was received from the Khedive. In October 1899, the British Government dispatched a force under Sir Redvers Buller, VC, as a reply to the invasion of Natal and Cape Colony by the Boers. from the Transvaal and Orange River Free State. Gatacre was gazetted to the 3rd Division, with the temporary rank of Lieutenant General. The three Divisional Commanders sailed in the same ship, but at Cape Town, a new distribution of the troops was made, in order to meet pressure at certain points, by which Gatacre's command was reduced to two battalions, with Headquarters at Queenstown. To this half-brigade were added certain hastily raised volunteers, but it must be remembered that Gatacre's force, while in theory a complete division, never at any time reached a fully-equipped brigade of infantry, and that he never had any regular artillery or cavalry. All three columns were unfortunate in their first contact with the enemy. At Magersfontein, on 11 December, the casualties were 948 out of 14,964 troops engaged; at Colenso the casualties were 1,139 out of a force of 19,378; at Stormberg, the loss in killed and wounded was 135 with 571 missing, out of a total of 3,035 engaged. In none of these-engagements were the recently landed British troops able to gain their objective, but in no case was ground lost. The Official History of the-War says: "Sir William Gatacre's decision to advance on Stormberg was fully justified by the strategical position. General Buller's telegram, although it left him a free hand in time and opportunity, had suggested that operation. The plan, though bold, was sound in its design, and would have succeeded had not exceptional misfortune attended its execution" (Vol I, page 301). After the arrival of Lord Roberts in Bloemfontein in March 1900, with large reinforcements, Gatacre's troops were employed to distribute Peace Proclamations behind the front, line of defence at the express command of the Commander-in-Chief. As a consequence of the unfortunate affair at Sauna's Post, in which the Boers got possession of the Bloemfontein Waterworks, Gatacre's peace patrols were exposed to attack. One little group of colonials held on finely at Wepener until relieved; but in the process of withdrawal a small British force, about 190 rifles, was overtaken at Reddersburg, and surrendered an hour before assistance reached them. After this incident Sir William Gatacre returned to England, but was reinstated in his command of the Eastern District. Extraordinary demonstrations of affection greeted his return, notably at Colchester and Norwich. His noble bearing, silence, and high sense of duty impressed those who came in contact with him, and his influence among all ranks was always for good. In 1905 Sir William's love of adventure and of the East led him to join an expedition to report on the rubber fields of Abyssinia. He died of fever near Gambela, 18 January 1903, aged 62. Sir William Gatacre was twice married; two sons survived him, Major W E Gatacre, KOYLI, and Captain J K Gatacre, 11th Bengal Lancers, killed in action in France 12 October 1914.
Sir Ian Hamilton wrote: "General Gatacre was one of the hardest working men I e | Unknown |
| Gillman | Webb | Captain | GILLMAN, WEBB, Captain, was born 26 October 1870, at Galle, Ceylon, youngest son of Herbert Webb Gillman, of Glouteadmore, Coachford, County Cork, and Annie Mackwood. He was educated at Dulwich, and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; was commissioned, Royal Field Artillery, 27 July 1889, and became Lieutenant 27 July 1892. He served in the South African War, 1899-1900, taking part in the advance on Kimberley; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg 17 to 26 February, and the actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein. He received the Queen's Medal and three clasps for the Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg and Driefontein. He became Captain 9 October 1899; was Adjutant, Royal Horse Artillery, Aldershot, from 22 May 1900 to 31 March 1901; was employed in the Aro Expedition, Southern Nigeria, 30 October 1901 to 10 May 1902, as Staff Officer to various columns. He received the Medal and three clasps; was mentioned in Despatches 12 September 1902, and for services during the Aro Expedition in Southern Nigeria was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 September 1902]: "Webb Gillman, Captain, Royal Artillery". He was invested by the King 24 October 1902. Captain Gillman was promoted to Major 12 May 1905; was GSO, 2nd Grade, Sierra Leone, 15 December 1906 to 3 April 1908; passed the Staff College, 1908; was AMS to GO Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, 4 April to 4 May 1938; GSO, 2nd Grade, Portsmouth, 14 August 1910 to 22 April 1912. He was GSO, War Office, from 23 April 1912 to 4 August 1914; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 5 August 1914, and served in the European War, first in France with the 114th Battery, 25th Brigade, RFA; was GSO2, GHQ, France, 26 August 1914 to 6 January 1915; was GSO1, 13th Division, 11 January to 9 October 1915; was Temporary Brigadier General, Royal Artillery, 9th Corps, 8 October to 22 November 1915; Brigadier General, General Staff, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 23 November 1915, to June 1916; Special Liaison Officer, Mesopotamia, February to May 1915. He was given the Brevet of Colonel, 1916; promoted Temporary Major General, May 1916; Major General, General Staff, Salonika, June 1916 to 25 July 1917; commanded the 17th Indian Division, July to 15 November 1917; Major General, General Staff, Mesopotamia, December 1917 to May 1919. He was created a CMG, 1915; received the Order of St Anne of Russia (2nl Class) with Swords, 1916; was created a CB in 1917; made Commandeur, Legion of Honour, 1917; received the Order of the White Eagle of Serbia (2nd Class) with Swords, 1917, and was made a Commander of the Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus of Italy, 1917; received the Order of the Redeemer of Greece (Higher Commander, 2nd Class), 1917, and was made a KCMG in 1919. He was several times mentioned in Despatches. Major General Sir Webb Gillman married, at Eastbourne, 8 February 1911, Caroline Grace Elizabeth, daughter of Charles Rube, of 17 Hill Street, London, and they had three children: Herbert Charles Rube, born 22 January 1912; Catherine Rube, and Susan Elizabeth.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
| Girouard | Edouard Percy Cranwill | Lieutenant | GIROUARD, EDOUARD PERCY CRANWILL, Lieutenant, was born at Montreal 26 January 1867, son of Honourable Desire Girouard. He was educated at the Royal Military College, Kingston, and was gazetted to the Royal Engineers as Second Lieutenant 28 July 1888; becoming Lieutenant 28 July 1891. He was Railway Traffic Manager, Royal Arsenal, 1 July 1890 to 14 August 1895, and was employed with the Egyptian Army as Director of Sudan Railways 10 April 1896 to 11 September 1898. He served with the Dongola Expeditionary Force, 1896, as Director of Railways, taking part in the operations of 19 September. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 November 1896], received the Egyptian Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 17 November 1896]: "Edouard Percy Cranwill Girouard, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the recent operaions in the Sudan". The Ingignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC, Cairo and presented 25 January 1897. He served in the Nile Expedition of 1897, was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 25 January 1898], received the clasp to the Egyptian Medal, and was given the Brevet of Major 29 July 1899, being promoted to Captain 28 July 1899. For the Nile Expedition of 1898 he received a Medal. He was President of the Egyptian Railway Board, 1898 and 1899 (2nd Class Medjidie). In the South African War he served on the Staff from 1899 to 1902, as Director of Railways. Operations in Natal, 1899. Advance on Kimberley. Operations in the Orange Free State February to May 1900. Operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900. Operations in Orange River Colony May to 29 November 1900. Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900. Operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River. Operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Cape Colony. One comes across him in Sir A Conan Doyle's 'Great Boer War': "Roberts's main column kept on the railroad, which was mended with extraordinary speed by the Railway Pioneer Regiment and the Engineers, under Girouard and the ill-fated Seymour. It was amazing to note the shattered culverts as one passed, and yet to be overtaken by trains within a day". In describing Methuen's search for De Wet, Sir A Conan Doyle says on pages 348-349: "That wily and indefatigable man was not long out of our ken. On June 14 he appeared once more at Rhenoster, where the construction trains, under the famous Girouard, were working furiously at the repair of the damage which he had already done. This time the guard was sufficient to beat him off, and he vanished again to the eastward. He succeeded, however, in doing some harm, and very nearly captured Lord Kitchener himself. A permanent post had been established at Rhenoster under the charge of Colonel Spens of the Shropshires, with his own regiment and several guns. Smith-Dorrien, one of the youngest and most energetic of the divisional commanders, had at the same time undertaken the supervision and patrolling of the line. An attack had at this period been made by a commando of some hundred Boers at the Sand River to the south of Kroonstad, where there is a most important bridge. The attempt was frustrated by the Royal Lancaster Regiment and the Railway Pioneer Regiment, helped by some mounted infantry and yeomanry. The fight was for a time a brisk one, and the Pioneers, upon whom the brunt of it fell, behaved with great steadiness. The skirmish is principally remarkable for the death of Major Seymour of the Pioneers, a noble American who gave his services and at last his life for what, in the face of all slander and misrepresentation, he knew to be the cause of justice and liberty". For his services in the South African War Brevet Major Girouard was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 19 April 1901, and 29 July 1902]. He received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a KCMG. He was Commissioner of Railways, Transvaal and Orange River Colony, 1 July 1902 to 21 December 1904; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 7 November 1904; was AQMG, Western Command, 6 September 190(5 to 2 February 1907; High Commissioner and Comrnander-in-Chief, Northern Nigeria, 3 February 1907 to 6 May 1908; Major, Royal Engineers, 26 May 1908; Governor and Commander-in-Chief, Northern Nigeria, 7 May 1908 to 1909; Brevet Colonel 13 September 1908; Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the East Africa Protectorate, 1909-12; retired from the Royal Engineers 13 July 1912; has was on the Board, Elswick Works, Newcastle, since 1912. He published a 'History of the Railways during the War in South Africa'. Sir Percy Girouard married, in 1903, Mary Gwendoline (who divorced him in 1914), only daughter of Honourable Sir Richard Solomon, and they had one son.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Glanville | Francis | Lieutenant | GLANVILLE, FRANCIS, Lieutenant, was born 16 May 1862, son of Major General F R Glanville, RA, of Catchperich, Cornwall. He entered the Royal Engineers 26 July 1881; served in Burma, 1886-88; was severely wounded; received the Medal and clasp; was mentioned in Despatches, 2 September 1887, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Francis Glanville, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. For services in Burma". He married, in 1888, Frances Gwenevere, daughter of E Crawford, and they had two daughters. He was promoted to Captain 19 May 1890; Major 21 June,1899, and Lieutenant Colonel 1 April 1906, and was given the Brevet of Colonel 1 May 1909, becoming Colonel 1 May 1911. He became temporary Brigadier General 4 February1916, commanding the Bareilly Brigade, Indian Army.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Godden | Henry Tufton | Captain | GODDEN, HENRY TUFTON, Major, was born 6 December 1858, in London, son of Frederick Mares and Sarah Mary Godden. He was educated at the Royal Naval School, New Cross, and at private schools and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst; entered the Bedfordshire Regiment 13 August 1879; was Adjutant, Bedfordshire Regiment, 1 January 1888 to 3 December 1891, and became Captain 7 March 1888. He served in the Dongola Expeditionary Force in 1896, as Brigade Major, 3rd Brigade; operations of 8 September to 5 October 1896; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 3 November 1896], and received the Egyptian Medal with clasps for Firket and Hafir. He served in the Nile Expedition of 1897 (clasp to Medal); in the Nile Expedition of 1898, and was present at the Battle of Atbara; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 24 May 1898]; received a clasp to Medal; the English Medal, and in recognition of his services in Egypt and the Sudan, including the Battle of Atbara, was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "Henry Tufton Godden, Captain, The Bedfordshire Regiment". The Insignia were sent to the GOC, Egypt, and presented to the Commandant of Suakin at Suakin. He became Major 10 July 1899. He served in the Nile Expedition of 1899; in the first advance against the Khalifa (clasp to Medal). He was Acting Governor of the Red Sea Littoral and Commandant at Suakin 29 April 1898 to 6 March 1899, and Administrator and Commandant at Suakin 7 March 1899 to 25 March 1902; received the 3rd Class Medjidie [London Gazette, 19 April 1901], and the 3rd Class Osmanieh [London Gazette, 26 September 1902]. He retired from the Army in 1906. On 11 January 1911, at Fremantle, Western Australia, Major Godden married Amelia Marguerite Axell (English), second daughter of A Axell, of Sittingbourne, Kent, and they had one son, Philip Axell Godden, born 16 November 1911. Major Godden returned to England 29 November 1914; was posted to the 9th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment 15 January 1915, as Major; appointed Second-in-Command of the 9th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment 21 January 1915, and appointed to command the 9th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment 7 February 1915, and was replaced on retired pay 14 June 1916.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Bedfordshire Regiment |
| Goldie | Mark Leigh | Captain | GOLDIE, MARK LEIGH, Captain, was born 13 June 1875, son of Colonel M H G Goldie, RE, of Plymouth. He joined the Army 2 November 1895, as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, in which he became Lieutenant 2 November 1898, and Captain 16 November 1901. He was created an MVO. He served in Southern Nigeria, 1901-2, taking part in the Aro Expedition, for which he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 12 September 1902]; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 September 1902]: "Mark Leigh Goldie, MVO, Captain, Royal Artillery. For services during the Aro Expedition in Southern Nigeria". He was invested by the King, 18 December 1902. From 1907 Captain Goldie was with B Battery, RHA, at Plymouth. He was promoted Major 10 May 1912. He was accidentally killed in March 1915.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
| Golightly | Robert Edmund | Captain | GOLIGHTLY, ROBERT EDMUND, Colonel, was born 16 September 1856, son of Reverend Canon Golightly, Shipton Moyne, Tetbury. He was educated at Eton and Sandhurst; became Sub-Lieutenant in 1875; Sub-Lieutenant, King's Royal Rifles, in 1876. He served in the Afghan War, 1878-80, being present at the action of Takt-i-Pul, advance and occupation of Kandahar and Khelat-i-Ghilzai; marched from Kandahar to Kabul with the force under Sir Donald Stewart; was present at the Battle of Ahmed Khel and action of Urzoo (Despatches); marched from Kabul to Kandahar with the force under Sir F Roberts, and was present at the Battle of Kandahar on 1 September. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 30 July 1880]; received the Medal with two clasps, and the Bronze Star. He was Superintendent of Army Signalling in the Mari Expedition; Acting Quartermaster to the 2nd Battalion KRR during the Boer Campaign of 1881; Adjutant to the 2nd Battalion 1881-85; Captain, 1886. He commanded the Mounted Infantry, 6th Brigade, Upper Burma Field Force, 1886-87; was twice mentioned in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Robert Edmund Golightly, Captain, King's Royal Rifle Corps, Mounted Infantry, Burma Expeditionary Force. For services in Burma". He was acting AAG, Meerut Division, in 1889; Adjutant, 1st Volunteer Battalion Durham Light Infantry, in 1890; commanded 1st Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, in South Africa, 1900 to 25 April 1901 (Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; promoted Colonel in the Reserve of Officers; Queen's Medal, four clasps); commanded 8th Provisional Battalion 1902-8; appointed Section Commandant No 1, Lines of Communication, 14 November 1914; appointed Defence Commander No 1, Lines of Communication, December 1916; appointed Assistant Director Territorial and Volunteer Forces, April 1918. He was created a CBE in 1918. Colonel Golightly married, in 1886, Agnes Frances, daughter of W M'Dowell Aiken. His favourite recreations were shooting, hunting, motoring, cricket and golf.
DSO (gold), Afghan (2) Ahmed Khel, Kandahar (Lieut. Robt. E. Golightly. 2/60th Foot), letter ‘y' in surname officially corrected; Kabul to Kandahar Star (Lieut. R.E. Golightly 2/60 Foot); IGS 1854 (2) Burma 1885-7, Burma 1887-89 (Captain R.E. Golightly 4th Bn. K.R.Rif.C.); QSA (4) CC Tr Witt SA01 (Capt. R.E. Golightly D.S.O. 1/Impl. Yeo.), last clasp loose on ribbon. Spinks Nov 04 £5,500. Liverpool Dec 05 with a 3 clasp QSA but clasps not stated £7,500.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | King's Royal Rifle Corps |
| Goodwin | Thomas Herbert John Chapman | Surgeon Captain | GOODWIN, THOMAS HERBERT JOHN CHAPMAN, Captain, was born at Kandy, Ceylon, 24 May 1871, eldest son of Surgeon Major John Goodwin, Army Medical Staff, and Marion Agnes Power. He was educated at Newton College, Devon, and St Mary's Hospital, London; joined the Army 29 July 1893, and became Captain 29 July 1896. He served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98; was present at the Battle of Shabkadr; was mentioned in Despatches 4 January 1898; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 20 May 1898]: "Thomas Herbert John Chapman Goodwin, Surgeon Captain, Army Medical Staff. In recognition of services in the recent operations on the North-West Frontier of India", (Insignia presented by Major General Moorsorn at Murree 20 February 1898.) He became Major 30 January 1905. Major Goodwin served in the European War from 1914, being present at Mons and the retreat to the Marne, the First and Second Ypres Battles, the fighting on the Somme, etc Commanded No 4 Cavalry Field Ambulance, No 14 General Hospital, and was Assistant Director of Medical Services, 2nd Cavalry Division, British Expeditionary Force, 22 September 1914 to 21 June 1915; became Lieutenant Colonel 1 March 1915; was Assistant Director of Medical Services, Guards Division, British Armies in France, 21 January 1917 to 16 April 1917. In April 1917, he was appointed ADMS with Mr Balfour's Mission to America (with acting rank as Colonel). Promoted Colonel 26 December 1917; appointed Honorary Surgeon to the King 26 December 1917; became Major General 18 January 1918; was Deputy Director-General, Army Medical Service, 24 March 1918 to 28 February 1918; Director-General, Army Medical Service (temporary), 1 March 1918 to 31 March 1918; Director-General 1 June 1918, with the rank of Lieutenant General. A newspaper correspondent wrote: "The choice of Colonel Goodwin as the new Acting Director General of Army Medical Services is appropriate on more than professional grounds. For the entry of the United States into the war has brought this country an increasingly large number of American medical men, who, with great, devotion, offered their help at the first call made upon them, and it is fitting that the soldier who, as Assistant Director of Medical Services to the British Mission which went to America under Mr Balfour and later Lord Northcliffe, was foremost in voicing the call for help, and who, from the beginning of his work in the United States, endeared himself to the whole of a great and very critical medical profession, should become the new Director-General. Colonel Goodwin was one of those who served through the heroic days of Mons, and the Marne and Ypres, and has placed British Medicine deeply in his debt by the manner in which he has fostered and strengthened the bond between our doctors in this country and the American doctors who are, coming to work side by side with them. The fruits of his labours are manifest already, for a strong spirit of comradeship has sprung up. An American physician of high standing, who has recently come to this country says of Colonel Goodwin: ‘He is a splendid man. We took to him from the first minute. He was so sound in the advice he gave to us, so 'live' and so thorough ... and over all so tactful. It would be a joy to serve under him'. That impression was certainly no isolated one. When the degree of Master of Arts was conferred on Colonel Goodwin by the University of Michigan on 12 October last, the Journal of the American Medical Association commented thus: ‘Distinguished scholar and soldier, possessor of the Order of St Michael and St George, one of the few survivors of the first British Force in France, gentle in word and in manner, resolute in action'. Colonel Goodwin, therefore, almost more than any living man, will be in a position to understand the respective points of view of the British and American Medical Services, and to encourage the close co-operation between them upon which so much depends. Moreover, his own splendid record of service—North-West Frontier, 1897-1898, Battle of Shabkadr, Despatches, DSO, Medal and clasp, three times mentioned in the present war—proves that the welfare of the righting men will be safe in his hands. He has learnt his war medicine in the field; ho knows, above all, the practical necessities of the situation". He became Lieutenant General 1 June 1919, and was created a CMG in 1915; a CB in 1918; a KCB in 1919; FRCS, England, in 1919; and was a Knight of Grace of St John of Jerusalem; Commander, Belgian Order of Leopold; Commander of the Italian Order of the Crown; was awarded the American Distinguished Service Medal. In 1917 he was made Honorary Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Master of Arts of the University of Michigan. He was the author of 'Notes for Medical Officers on Field Service in India', 'Field Service Notes for RAMC', 'Prevention of Disease when on Active Service', 'Notes for Army Medical Officers', etc. On 29 December 1897, at Simla, Sir J Goodwin married Lilian Isabel Ronaldson, youngest daughter of James Torrance Ronaldson.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Medical Service |
| Goodwyn | Henry Edward | Captain | GOODWYN, HENRY EDWARD, Captain, was born 11 October 1855, and joined the Royal Engineers on 28 January 1875, serving in the Afghan War of 1878-80 (Medal); in the Egyptian Expedition of 1882, battle of Tel-el-Kebir (Medal with clasp and Bronze Star). He again saw active service in the Burma Campaign of 1885-86; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 2 September 1887]; received the Bronze Star, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "Henry Edward Goodwyn, Captain, Royal Engineers. For services in Burma". He had been promoted to Captain 28 January 1886, and became Major, Royal Engineers, 12 December 1894, and retired 1 February 1907.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Goodwyn | Norton James | Captain | GOODWYN, NORTON JAMES, Captain, was born on 7 October 1861, second son of General J E Goodwyn, CB. He became Lieutenant, Devonshire Regiment, 9 September 1882; Captain 1 April 1891; served in Burma, 1891-92, with the Irrawaddy Column (received the Medal and clasp). He was Adjutant, Devonshire Regiment, 17 October 1892 to 5 April 1894; was employed with the Egyptian Army April 1894 to 29 February 1896. He was attached to the West African Regiment 9 April 1898 to 24 June 1899; was present at the operations in Sierra Leone, 1898-99, taking part in the Mendiland Expedition, including Songo Town-Kwalu Expedition. He served afterwards with the Karene and Protectorate Expeditions. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 29 December 1899], and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 9 January 1900]: "Norton James Goodwyn, Captain, Devonshire Regiment. In recognition of services in the recent operations in Sierra Leone". The Insignia were sent to Captain Goodwyn at home. He was promoted to Major. He served in the South African War, 1899-1900: as Second-in-Command of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry from 1900 (was severely wounded in the Battle of Colenso, and mentioned in Despatches). He was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel in 1902, and was appointed Inspector of Gymnasia in India in 1904. He died 6 May 1906, in Australia, on his way home on leave from India.
DSO, IGS 1854 Burma 1889-92 (Capt 2/Devons), East & West Africa (1) Sierra Leone 1898-9 (Capt 2/Devons), QSA (4) CC OFS RofL Trans (Capt Devons), KSA (2) (Lt Col Devons), 1902 Coronation. Liverpool 1993 £1,950.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Devonshire Regiment |
| Gordon | Alister Fraser | Captain | GORDON, ALISTER FRASER, Captain, was born 1 February 1872, third son, of William Grant Gordon, of Drumdevan, Invernessshire, and Louisa, daughter of John Fraser, of Achnagairn, Invernessshire. He was educated at The College, Inverness, and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and was gazetted to the Royal Highlanders 8 October 1890; was transferred to the Gordon Highlanders 12 November 1890, becoming Lieutenant 1 September 1893. He served in Chitral, 1895, with the Relief Force (Medal and clasp); and on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, including the actions of Chagru Kotal and Dargai, where, as Lieutenant, he commanded a company and led it across the zone of fire and was the first across it; was present at the capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes; operations in the Waran Valley, and at the action of 16 November 1897, and at the operations in the Bara Valley, 7 to 14 December 1897. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 5 April 1898], and received two clasps. He was promoted to Captain 28 May 1899; was employed with the Central African Rifles, and with the King's African Rifles, 12 April 1899 to 11 April 1902, and served with the 2nd British Central African Regiment in the Ashanti Campaign of 1900. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 March 1901], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 April 1901]: "Alister Fraser Gordon, Captain, Gordon Highlanders. In recognition of services during the recent operations in Ashanti". Invested by the King 24 October 1902. He served in the South African War, 1901-02, as Railway Staff Officer and Station Staff Officer, taking part in the operations in the Transvaal, September 1901 to 31 May 1902 (Queen's Medal with three clasps). He was GSO, 3rd Grade, Coast Defences, Northern Command, 18 February 1908 to 17 February 1912; was promoted to Major 4 July 1908; was DAA and QMG, Highland Division, Scottish Command, 6 June 1913 to 20 January 1914. He served in the European War from 1914, as DAA and QMG 5 August 1914 to 17 September 1914; was promoted Lieutenant Colonel, Gordon Highlanders, in April 1915, and was severely wounded in the leg at the Battle of Festubert 1(5 May 1915; AA and QMG 18 Sept, 1914 to 9 April 1915; GSO, 2nd Grade, War Office (temporary), 1 December 1915 to 12 February 1916; Brigade Commander 13 February 1916. For his services in the European War he was six times mentioned in Despatches, and created a CMG in 1915, and Brevet Colonel in 1917. Temporary Brigadier General A F Gordon died on the 31st of July 1917, of wounds received in action, aged 45. He was a highly scientific and brilliant officer—a loss to the Army and the nation. The following is an account of General Gordon's death: "On the Sunday morning, 29 July 1917, General Gordon was visiting the frontline trenches, as was his custom, when the trench that he was in was hit by a direct German shell, which killed his Brigade Major and two Gordon Highland NCO's on the spot, and mortally wounded him. He died two days later in the Casualty Clearing Station to which he had been carried, and was buried in the Cemetery at Esporinghe. By the King's Special Order, a printed copy of his six Mentions in the European War was sent from the War Office to Mrs Alister Gordon, 18 December 1917, with a kind message of ‘high appreciation of these services', by His Majesty". He had married, in January 1908, Pilar Mary, daughter of C E H Edmonds-toune Cranstoun, of Corehouse, and they had one son, Alastair Joseph Edgar, and two daughters, Margaret Colette Mary and Elizabeth Pilar Mary.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Gordon Highlanders |
| Gordon | James Henry | Lieutenant Colonel | GORDON, JAMES HENRY, Colonel, was born 25 January 1839, at Blackheath, Kent, son of Adam and Susan Gordon. He joined the Indian Army on 20 April 1857. He married 29 January 1869, Arabella Hewit Sams, daughter of Charles Hewit Sams, of Lee, Kent, and their children were: Lucy; Charles Cecil, born 29 September 1871; Margaret Julia Arabella, and George Hamilton, born 29 March 1875. He served in Burma 1885-86, commanding the 23rd Madras Light Infantry; was present at the taking of Mandalay, and at the later operations; was twice mentioned in Despatches for general efficiency in Camp and Field, and received the Medal; was created a CB [London Gazette, 3 June 1893] and a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 25 November 1887]: "James Henry Gordon, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel, Madras Staff Corps". He became Colonel 20 April 1887, and was placed on the Unemployed Supernumerary List 15 January 1895.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Madras Staff Corps |
| Gordon | Stannus Verner | Lieutenant Colonel | GORDON, STANNUS VERNER, Lieutenant Colonel, was born 20 August 1846, and was gazetted to the 36th Foot as Ensign 9 August 1864, becoming Lieutenant, 36th Foot, 22 May 1868, and Lieutenant, Bengal Staff Corps, 1 August 1868. He served in the Afghan War, 1878-80, including the passage of the Mungiar Defile Expedition into the Khost Valley; action of Charasiah, and subsequent pursuit; defence of Camp Latabund; affair at Saidabad; march from Kabul to the relief of Kandahar, and battle of 1 September. He received the Medal and three clasps, and the Bronze Star; was given the Brevet of Major 2 March 1881, and was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 4 May 1880, and 3 December 1880]. He served in the First Miranzai Expedition in 1891. In the Chitral Campaign he was Commandant, 23rd Bengal Infantry, serving with the Relief Force. He was mentioned in Despatches 15 November 1895; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 21 January 1896]: "Stannus Verner Gordon, Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services during the operations of the Chitral Relief Force". The Insignia were presented to him 11 April 1896. He was given the Brevet of Colonel 23 June 1897, and retired with the rank of Colonel 2 March 1904.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
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