| Gore-Browne | Godfrey | Lieutenant | GORE-BROWNE, GODFREY, Lieutenant Royal Navy, was born in Hobart, Tasmania, 30 March 1862, son of Sir Thomas Gore-Browne, KCMG, CB (some time Governor of St Helena, New Zealand, Tasmania and Bermuda), and of Harriett, daughter of James Campbell, of Craigie House, Ayr. He was educated at Mr Alien's School, and HMS Britannia, and joined the Royal Navy. He was Midshipman of the Euryalus during the Egyptian War of 1882 (Egyptian Medal and Khedive's Bronze Star). He was mentioned by Rear Admiral Sir W N W Henett KCB in his Despatch [London Gazette, 8 September 1882]: "I beg to bring to favourable notice services of Mr Gore-Browne, Midshipman, my ADC, who was most useful to me" (page 4172 of Gazette). He became First Lieutenant of Philomel, on the West Coast of Africa in 1894, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 21 December 1894]: "Godfrey Gore-Browne, Lieutenant, Royal Navy. In recognition of his services against the Chief Nana of Brohemie on the Benin River". Lieutenant Gore-Browne was mentioned in Rear Admiral Bedford's Report [London Gazette, 21 December 1894]: "I desire especially to mention the executive officers of Philomel and Phusbe, Lieutenants Gore-Browne and Hickley. It would be difficult to find two more able and zealous officers". Awarded General African Medal, Benin River, and 1894 clasp. On one occasion Lieutenant Gore-Browne was watching from a ship's boat other naval officers battling. Sharks were sighted and the bathers hastened to climb the boat. As one was drawing himself into the boat a shark was seen rising and turning over to seize his legs. Lieutenant Gore-Browne jumped from the thwart of the boat (with his boots on) on to the shark, which made off hastily, and Lieutenant Gore-Browne returned to the boat none the worse. Commander Gore-Browne died at Mentone 5 April 1900.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Navy |
| Gorringe | George Frederick | Lieutenant | GORRINGE, GEORGE FREDERICK, Lieutenant, was born at South wick, Sussex, 10 February 1868, second son of Hugh Gorringe, JP, Kingston-by-Sea, Sussex, and of Mrs Hugh Gorringe. He was educated at Lee's School, Brighton, and at Wellington College, and joined the Royal Engineers at Chatham 17 February 1888, becoming Lieutenant 17 February 1891. He was employed with the Egyptian Army 14 January 1893 to 21 December 1899, and was employed as DAAG, Headquarters Staff, in the Expedition to Dongola in 1898, taking part in the operations of 7 June and 19 September. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 3 November 1896], received the Egyptian Medal with two clasps (Firket and Hafir), and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 17 November 1896]: "George Frederick Gorringe, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the recent operations in the Sudan". He served in the Nile Expedition of 1897, on the Staff of the GOC (Despatches [London Gazette, 25 January 1898]; Brevet of Major 18 February 1899; clasps to the Egyptian Medal [Abu Hamed]). In the Nile Expedition of 1898 he served as Staff Officer, Headquarters Staff, and was present at the battle of the Atbara as DAAG, Headquarters Staff; at the battle of Khartoum and subsequent operations at Gedarif. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 24 May and 30 September 1898,], received the 4th Class of the Medjidie, the Medal, and two clasps to the Egyptian Medal (Atbara, Abu Hamed and Gedarif). He became Captain 17 February 1899, and in that year served in the Nile Expedition and was present in the operations resulting in the final defeat of the Khalifa, commanding irregulars at actions of Abu Adel and Om Devrikat (Despatches [London Gazette, 30 January 1900]; Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 14 March 1900; two clasps to Egyptian Medal). He was specially employed in charge of the reconstruction of Khartoum. He served in the South African War 23 December 1899 to 1 November 1901, as ADC to Lord Kitchener; as DAAG, Headquarters Staff, and in command of a flying column and of the Loyal Farmers' Light Horse (1 January to 12 October 1901). He was present at the operations in Cape Colony, January to March 1900, and April 1900. Operations in Orange Free State, February 1900, and March to May 1900. Operations in Orange River Colony, May and June 1900. Operations in the Transvaal, May to 29 November 1900. Operations in the Transvaal 30 November to December 1899. Operations in Orange River Colony, December 1900, and August 1901. Operations in Cape Colony, December 1900, to October 1901. (Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April and 9 July 1901]; Queen's Medal and four clasps; created a CMG). Sir A Conan Doyle tells us, in Chapter XXXV of 'The Great Boer War', how in the spring of 1901 in Cape Colony "Kritzinger's original force broke into many bands ... The total number of Boers who were wandering over the eastern and midland districts may have been about two thousand, who were divided into bands which varied from fifty to three hundred. The chief leaders of separate commandos were Kritzinger, Scheepers, Malan, Myburgh, Fouche, Lotter, Smuts, Van Reenen, Lategan, Maritz and Conroy, the two latter operating on the western side of the country. To hunt down these numerous and active bodies the British were compelled to put many similar detachments into the field, known as the columns of Gorringe, Crabbe, Henniker, Scobell, Doran Kavanagh, Alexander, and others. These two sets of miniature armies performed an intricate devil's dance over the Colony. ... At the beginning of August the connected systematic work of French's columns began to tell. In a huge semicircle the British were pushing north, driving the guerillas in front of them. Scheepers, in his usual wayward fashion, had broken away to the south; but the others had been unable to penetrate the cordon, and were herded over the Stormberg-Naauwport line. The main body of the Boers was hustled swiftly along from August 7 to August 10, from Graaf Reinet to Thebus, and thrust over the railway line at that point with some loss of men and a great shedding of horses. It was hoped that the blockhouses on the railroad would have held the enemy, but they slipped across by night, and got into the Steynsburg district, where Gorringe's Colonials took up the running. On August 13 he followed the commandos from Steynsburg to Venterstad, killing twenty of them and taking several prisoners". The rest of the chapter, describing the work done by the British flying columns, makes very interesting reading. Major Gorringe was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April and 9 July 1901], received the Queen's Medal with four clasps; was created a CMG, and given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 14 March 1900. In 1904 he was in command of the operations at Jebel Jerok in Southern Sennar, receiving a clasp (Jerok) to the Egyptian Medal, and the Brevet of Colonel 10 February 1904; 3rd Class Osmanieh, 1904. He was promoted to Colonel 23 June 1906, and was Director of Movements and Quartering at the War Office 23 June 1906 to 31 March 1909. Brigade Commander, 18th Brigade, Northern Command, 1 April 1909 to 5 December 1911; promoted to Major General 6 September 1911 commanding Bombay Brigade, India, 1 May 1912 to 31 March 1915. From 1 April 1915 to 10 March 1916, he commanded the 12th Division, Indian Expeditionary Force, Mesopotamia, in the operations in Southern Arabistan and the Euphrates Valley, terminating with the capture of Nasiriyeh. He was mentioned in Despatches and created a KCB; was temporary Lieutenant General from 11 March 1916 to 22 September 1916; was Chief of Staff, Tigris Force, January 1916 to March 1916, commanding the 3rd Indian Army Corps, Kut Relief Force, 11 March 1916 to 10 July 1916. From 20 September 1916 to 1919, Sir G F Gorringe commanded the 47th Division, British Armies in France. He was created a KCMG in 1918. His favourite recreations were hunting, polo and shooting. See Spinks Dec 83 and Spinks Nov 63
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Graham | Herman Witsius Gore | Lieutenant | GRAHAM, HERMAN WITSIUS GORE, Lieutenant, was born 28 October 1859, second son of Robert Gore Graham, JP, of Southmead, Westbury-on-Trym, Gloucestershire, He was educated privately, and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst; was gazetted to the 1st West India Regiment 5 March 1884, being transferred to the 5th Lancers in 1887. He served on the West Coast of Africa in 1889, taking part in the operations against the Awunhas; was mentioned in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 10 October 1889]: "For operations against the Awunhas. Herman Witsius Gore Graham, Lieutenant, 5th Lancers". The insignia were presented to him by the Queen. Lieutenant Graham served with the Egyptian Cavalry, 1891-93; became Captain in 1892. He has passed the Staff College. He served in Ashanti, 1895 (Honourably Mentioned; Star); on the North-West Frontier in the Tirah Expedition, 1897, on the Staff; was DAAG, 3rd Brigade (Clasp). He was promoted to Major in 1899, and served in the South African War of 1899-1902, as Brigade Major of the 1st Cavalry Brigade, taking part in the operations in Natal, 1899; in the relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Krantz; operations on the Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in Natal, March to June 1900. Afterwards Provisional District Commissioner, Utrecht (from 12 September 1900), and as District Commandant; Administrator, Martial Law Area, Cape Colony District, and as Administrator of General Districts. In command Marshall's Horse, 1 to 31 May 1902. Operations in the Transvaal, Cape Colony, 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902 (Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; Queen's Medal with four clasps). He was District Commissioner, Transvaal, 1900-1; employed under the Government of Cape Colony, 1902-3; became Lieutenant Colonel 19 October 1905; was in command of the 5th Lancers, 1905-9; was given the Brevet of Colonel 19 October 1908; was Commandant, West African Regiment, 1909-13. He retired with the rank of Colonel from the West African Regiment 2 January 1913. Colonel Graham was re-employed on the General Staff of the New Armies in 1914.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 5th (Royal Irish) Lancers |
| Grahame | John Crum | Captain | GRAHAME, JOHN CRUM, Captain, was born at Auldhouse, Renfrewshire, 2 February 1870, son of James Grahame and Agnes Crum, daughter of John Crum, of Thornliebank; and great-grandson of Archibald Graharne, of Drumquhassle, Drymen, Stirlingshire. He was educated at Cargilfield, and Harrow; joined the 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry (from the Militia) 9 April 1892; became Lieutenant 22 November 1894. He served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, with the 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry, with Malakand and Buner Field Forces; in operations in Bajour and in the Mamund country; assault and capture of the Tanga Pass (India Medal and clasp "Punjab Frontier, 1897-98"). He took part in the operations in Ashanti, 1900—under Sir James Willcocks—attached to 1st Battalion West African Frontier Force, as Subaltern, and finally Captain (1 August 1900), of F (Haussa) Company; was present at assault and capture of Kokofu; actions near Kumassi and Danassi, and the final defeat of the Ashantis near Obassi. He was mentioned in Despatches: "This officer did very good work" (Ashanti Medal, 1900, with clasp "Kumassi"). In the operations in Southern Nigeria, 1901-2, he was with the 3rd Battalion West African Frontier Force, as Captain, F (Yoruba) Company, and was appointed Local Major and to command a District. He was mentioned in Despatches by the Officer Commanding the Field Force: "After the capture of Aro Chuko, this officer was selected to disarm and subjugate a large extent of territory. So well was this duty carried out that I was enabled to bring hostilities to a close at least a month sooner than I anticipated, and before the rains set in". He took part in various engagements, was slightly wounded; received the African General Service Medal with clasp "Aro, 1901-2", and was appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 September 1902]: "John Crum Grahame, Captain, Highland Light Infantry. For services during the Aro Expedition in Southern Nigeria". He served with the Egyptian Army, 1903-7; attached Sudan Civil Administration, 1904-7; was promoted Major 18 December 1908; commanded Detachment, 2nd Highland Light Infantry, which was on duty at the Coronation of King George V (Coronation Medal). He commanded the Depot of the Highland Light Infantry, 1911-12. In August 1914, he was appointed to command the 10th (Service) Battalion Highland Light Infantry, which he raised, organized and trained. In May 1915, he took this battalion to France, and served in the trenches near Festubert and Cambrai. He commanded the battalion at the Battle of Loos (severely gassed in action); was mentioned in Despatches (January 1916), for "gallant and distinguished conduct in the field". He commanded the 10th Highland Light Infantry till 9 March 1916, when he was invalided home; rejoined Expeditionary Force for the fourth time in December 1916, and was in command in the trenches of the 10/11th Highland Light Infantry, and subsequently of the 12th Battalion, and of the 9th Battalion (Glasgow Highlanders). On promotion to Substantive Lieutenant Colonel (16 December 1916), he took over command in the field of his old battalion, the 2nd Highland Light Infantry, with which he was serving when very severely wounded near Oppy during the Battle of Arras, April 1917. Lieutenant Colonel Grahame had thus the honour of commanding in the Field Regular, Service and Territorial Units of the Highland Light Infantry. He did much big game shooting on the Blue Nile, and travelled considerably in Europe—Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary and Galicia, and also in the Himalayas. Lieutenant Colonel Grahame married, 27 July 1905, at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Alice Clara, younger daughter of John Purvis, of Kinaldy, Fife, and Wilhelmina, eldest daughter of William Berry, of Tayfield, Fife.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Highland Light Infantry |
| Grant | George Patrick | Lieutenant | GRANT, GEORGE PATRICK, Lieutenant, was born 22 September 1876, and entered the Army on 5 September 1896, as a Second Lieutenant in the Border Regiment. He became Lieutenant 9 October 1899, and was transferred to the Indian Army 27 August 1901. He served in Mekran in 1901; in the attack and capture of Nodiz Fort. For his services on this occasion he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 August 1902]. He was twice severely wounded, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 2 September 1902]: "George Patrick Grant, Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps. For services during the capture of Nodiz Fort". He was invested by the King 24 October 1902. He was promoted to Captain 5 September 1905; was Staff Captain, India, 1 February to 3 June 1910; GS03, Headquarters, India, 1 July 1910 to 31 October 1912; DAA and QMG, Indian Army, 1 November 1912 to 31 January 1914. He was promoted Major 5 September 1914, and served at different periods during the European War as Acting Lieutenant Colonel. He become a Second Grade General Staff Officer 20 February 1917. His regiment was the 106th Hazara Pioneers. He married, in 1902, Gladys, only daughter of Macdonald Beaumont, of Hylands, Epsom, and they had two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Griffith | George Richard | Veterinary Captain | GRIFFITH, GEORGE RICHARD, Captain, was born 5 July 1857; joined the Army Veterinary Department 26 May 1880, and served in the Egyptian Expedition of 1882, being present at the actions of El Magfar, Masameh and Kassassin, Battle of Tel-el-Kebir and forced march to Cairo (Medal with clasp; Bronze Star). He served in the Sudan Expedition of 1884-85, Nile, and received a clasp; and again in the Sudan in 1888-91, Suakin, as Principal Veterinary Surgeon. Action at Gemaizah; mentioned in Despatches, clasp. Action of Toski (clasp). Capture of Tokar, February 1891 (4th Class Osmanieh; clasp to Bronze Star). He served in the Expedition to Dongola, 1896, as Principal Veterinary Officer; operations of 7 June and 19 September; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 3 November 1896]; received the Egyptian Medal with two clasps; was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 17 November 1896]: "George Richard Griffith, Veterinary Captain, Army Veterinary Department. In recognition of services during the recent operations in Egypt and the Sudan". For the Nile Expedition of 1898 he was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 30 September 1898], received the 3rd Class of the Medjidie, was granted the next higher rate of pay of rank; the Medal and a clasp to the Egyptian Medal. He served also in the Nile Expedition of 1899 (clasp to Egyptian Medal). He became Lieutenant Colonel 12 December 1903; was Principal Veterinary Officer, Egyptian Army, and retired 20 November 1908, entering the Reserve of Officers. Lieutenant Colonel Griffith married, in 1909, Alice Maud, eldest daughter of the Reverend G D Redpath, of Harbledown.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Veterinary Department |
| Grove | Alexander Sinclair | Colonel | GROVE, ALEXANDER SINCLAIR, Colonel, was born at Dumfries in 1840, son of Henry Jones Grove, KH, and Major, 80th Foot (who died in March 1847), and Mary Anne Sinclair, daughter of Captain Sinclair, RN. He entered the Madras Army in 1858; became Captain, Madras Staff Corps, 12 June 1870. Captain Grove married, in 1873, Catherine, daughter of Major General Ezekiel Gage, Indian Army. On 12 June 1878, he was promoted to Major. He served in the Afghan War in 1880 (Medal); became Lieutenant Colonel in 1884; served in the Burma Campaign, 1887-88 (Medal and two clasps; created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 3 August 1888]: "For services during the operations in Burma. Alexander Sinclair Grove, Colonel, Madras Staff Corps"). He was AAG, Madras and Burma, 1892-95, and Colonel on the Staff in 1895. Colonel Grove died on the 13th September 1897.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Madras Staff Corps |
| Gurdon | Bertrand Evelyn Mellish | Lieutenant | GURDON, BERTRAND EVELYN MELLISH, Lieutenant, was born 2 September 1867, third son of Major General Evelyn Pulteney Gurdon, late ISC, and Mary, daughter of General Sandenian. He was educated at Haileybury and Sandhurst; was gazetted Lieutenant in the Manchester Regiment 25 August 1880, and entered the Indian Army in 1887. He was transferred to the Indian Political Department in 1889, and became Assistant to the British Agent at Gilgit in 1892. In December 1894, he was appointed Assistant British Agent in Chitral, and served as one of the Garrison of Chitral Fort during the siege, March and April 1895. He was mentioned in Despatches, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 10 July 1895]: "In recognition of services during the recent operations in Chitral, Bertrand Evelyn Mellish Gurdon, Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps". The Insignia were presented by the Queen at Osborne on Monday, 12 August 1895. He was created a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1900. He became Lieutenant Colonel in 1912, and retired in 1918. He held the following appointments during his period of service in the Indian Political Department: Boundary Settlement Officer in Central India; Assistant British Agent, Gilgit; Assistant Political Agent, Chitral; Political Agent, Gilgit; Political Agent, Khyber; Political Agent, Southern States, Rajputana; Political Agent, Eastern States, Rajputana; Political Agent, Bhopawar; Political Agent, Phulkian States. In 1916 he was selected for the appointment of Agent to the Governor-General in Rajputana, but owing to ill-health was unable to continue to serve in India, and took leave pending retirement. He married, in 1907, Evelyn Agnes, daughter of Frederick Clarke and widow of Captain Frank Duncan, Indian Army, and they had two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Gwynn | Charles William | Lieutenant | GWYNN, CHARLES WILLIAM, Lieutenant, was born 4 February 1870, at Ramelton, Co Donegal, Ireland, 3rd son of the Reverend John Gwynn, DD, Regius Professor of Divinity, Trinity College, Dublin, and Lucy Josephine, daughter of William Smith O'Brien, Cahirmoyle, Co Limerick. He was educated at St Columba's College, Rathfarnhain, Dublin, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, and at the Staff College, Camberley; became Second Lieutenant, Royal Engineers, 15 February 1889, and Lieutenant 15 February 1892. Lieutenant Gwynn served on the West Coast of Africa, 1893-94, taking part in the operations against the Sofas, when he was three times wounded, mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 28 February 1894], was given the Brevet of Major 16 February 1900, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 8 June 1894]: "Charles William Gwynn, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services in the recent operations in West Africa". He was Staff Captain (Intelligence), Headquarters of Army, 1 September 1897 to 26 June 1901; was employed on Survey Duty, Egypt, 4 October 1899 to 6 June 1901; was promoted to Captain 15 February 1900; employed on Survey Duty, Egypt, 27 June 1901 to 9 October 1901; employed with the Egyptian Army 10 October 1901 to 12 August 1904; Commissioner, Abyssinia and East African Protectorate Boundary Commission, 18 June 1908 to 1 October 1909; created a CMG 1903; became Major 1 October 1908. From 20 January 1911 to 25 September 1914, Major Gwynn was employed with the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces as Director of Military Art, Royal Military College, Duntroon. He served in the European War from 1914; was GS01, 57th Division, Central Force, Home Defence, 24 January 1915 to 2 July 1915; held a special appointment (graded GSO2) with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force 3 July 1915 to 20 July 1915; and as GSO1, 2nd Australian Division, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 21 July 1915 to 9 December 1915. From 10 December 1915 to 28 February 1916, he commanded a brigade, 6th Australian Division, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force; and from 29 February 1916, was Brigadier General, General Staff, 2nd Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (afterwards XXII Corps), with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, and afterwards with the British Armies in France; commanded 1st Midland Brigade, British Army of the Rhine, 3 March to 20 September 1919; appointed GS0.1st Division, Aldershot, 18 November 1919. He was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 3 June 1916; became Lieutenant Colonel 1 October 1916, and was given the Brevet of Colonel 1 January 1917- He was created a CB in 1918; was given the Belgian Croix de Guerre, 1918, and the Legion of Honour, 1919. Colonel (temporary Brigadier General) C W Gwynn was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and was awarded the RGS Peake Fund Medal in 1909. He married on 1 November 1904, at All Saints' Church, Raheny, Co Dublin, Mary, widow of Lieutenant Lowry Armstrong, RN. His brothers were Captain Stephen Gwynn, MP; Edward Gwynn, Fellow of Trinity College, Dublin; the Reverend Robert Gwynn, BD, Fellow, Tutor and Chaplain of Trinity College, Dublin, and J T Gwynn, ICS.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Hadow | Reginald Campbell | Major | HADOW, REGINALD CAMPBELL, Major, was born 6 July 1851, son of Patrick Douglas Hadow, JP, chairman of the P & O Steam Navigation Company, of The Priory, Sudbury, Middlesex, and Mrs P D Hadow. He was educated at Cheltenham, and was gazetted to the 55th Foot as Ensign 27 April 1870, becoming Lieutenant. 55th Foot, 28 October 1871, and Bengal Staff Corps, 26 July 1876. He served in the Afghan War, 1878-80, taking part in the advance on Ghuznee, actions of Ahmed Khel and Urzoo, march from Kabul to the relief of Kandahar, and battle of 1 September (Medal with two clasps; Bronze Star). Ho became Captain 27 April 1882, and in 1885 again saw active service in the Sudan Expedition, Suakin; action of Tofrek and operations at Tamai (Medal with two clasps; Bronze Star). He was promoted to Major 27 April 1890, and in the following year served in the Second Miranzai Expedition {Medal with clasp). In 1895 he served in the Chitral Expedition, with the Relief Force, and was present at the storming of the Malakand Pass and the forcing of the passage of the Swat River. Was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 15 November 1895]; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 21 January 1896]: "Reginald Campbell Hadow, Major, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services during the recent operations in Chitral". The Insignia were presented to him 11 April 1896. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 27 April 1896. In 1897-98 Lieutenant Colonel Hadow served on the NW Frontier of India, being present at the operations on the Samaua and in the Kurram Valley during August and September 1897. Operations of the Flying Column in the Kurram Valley, under Colonel Richardson, 20 August to 1 October 1897 (two clasps). He served in Tirah, 1897-98; actions of Chagru Kotal and Dargai, and operations in the Khauki Valley. He was very severely wounded (clasp). He commanded the 15th Sikhs. On 15 February 1902, he was given the Brevet of Colonel, and on 27 April 1902, retired with the rank of Colonel. Colonel Hadow's favourite recreations were cricket, golf and shooting. He married, in 1876, Annie Sophia Erskine (she died in 1912), daughter of General David Pott, CB, of Borthwickshiel, Hawick.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
| Haggard | Andrew Charles Parker | Captain | HAGGARD, ANDREW CHARLES PARKER, Lieutenant Colonel, was born at Bradenham Hall, Norfolk, 7 February 1854, 5th son of William Meybohm Eider Haggard, and Ella, daughter and co-heiress of Bazett Doveton, EICS. He was educated at Westminster School; joined The King's Own Borderers, afterwards The King's Own Scottish Borderers, in 1873; served in India and at Aden; also on the Staff in Egypt, 1882; was Adjutant, 1st Reserve Depot, Ismailia, 1882, until the close of the operations against Arabi Pasha. He was one of the 25 officers who, under Sir Evelyn Wood, VC, in the year 1883, raised the new Egyptian Army, and owing to his knowledge of Arabic was sent to the different Provinces of Egypt to curb the injustices and cruelties of the Mudirs in their methods of raising recruits. He became Major and Second-in-Command of the 4th Battalion Egyptian Army, and subsequently Lieutenant Colonel Commanding the 1st Battalion Being applied for by Admiral Sir William Hewett, VC, Governor General of the Red Sea Littoral, he was attached to the Royal Navy and went on Special Service to Suakin in February 1884, where he was instrumental in organizing the defences and in quelling a mutiny of two Black Regiments (one of which had previously served under General Gordon), which had deserted their posts to the danger of the capture of the town by the enemy, under Osman Digna. After assisting the landing of the Expeditionary Force under Sir Gerald Graham, VC, he was attached to it, and was present at the Battle of Tamai and advance on Tamanieb (Medal with clasp, Khedive's Bronze Star; mentioned in Special Naval Despatches in April 1884, and also in Army Despatches). He proceeded on HMS Sphinx to Massowah; became Governor, and organized defences of that place in 1884; went subsequently to meet the Abyssinian brigand outlaw, Bal Ambaras Yasus Kefla, in the passes of the mountains of Bogos, and then on to Senheit and Keren; rescued a Swedish missionary from him, and induced him to open up the road to permit the egress of an Egyptian regiment cut off there under Khusru Bey, one of General Gordon's old officers. He surveyed part, and wrote itinerary of route to Khartoum, via Kassala, adopted by the Intelligence Department, War Office. He was in command of the 1st Battalion Egyptian Army at Suakin for a year, while the place was invested and constantly attacked by Osman Digna, 1884-85. He was present at the reconnaissance to Hasheen and operations of the British Army at Suakin, 1885 (4th Class Osmarneh); awarded "for distinguished services before the enemy" [London Gazette, 1885]. He was on a special recruiting commission with Brigadier General Yusuf Pasha Schudi, which reformed the abuses of the conscription in Upper Egypt. He commanded the 1st Battalion Egyptian Army in operations on the Nile, under General Sir Frederick Stephenson, including the Battle of Ginniss 1885-87, and subsequently commanded all the Egyptian troops on the Frontier. For his services in this campaign Lieutenant Colonel Haggard was mentioned in Despatches, and for those at the Battle of Ginniss he was awarded the, then new, distinction of the Companionship of the Distinguished Service Order, in the first Gazette of which Order his appointment was announced, 23 November 1886: "For action at Ginniss, Andrew Charles Parker Haggard, Captain, King's Own Scottish Borderers". Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Haggard was awarded the 3rd Class of the Order of the Medjidieh for subsequent-services in Egypt. In 1906 he married Ethel Fowler, of Whitestock Hali, Lancashire. He was a well-known sporting writer and novelist, and has published many French historical biographies. His favourite recreations are fishing, shooting and exploring, especially in connection with little-known rivers and districts in Canada. After the outbreak of the Great War he was instrumental in the formation of Veterans' Associations for men of both Services in British Columbia.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | King's Own Scottish Borderers |
| Haldane | James Ayhner Lowthorpe | Captain | HALDANE, JAMES AYLMER LOWTHORPE, Captain, was born 17 November 1862, only son of D Rutherford Haldane, MD, and Mrs Haldane. He was educated at Edinburgh Academy and Wimbledon School and passed with Honours, Royal Military College, Sandhurst, joining the Gordon Highlanders 9 September 1882, as Lieutenant. He was Adjutant, Gordon Highlanders, 1 September 1888 to 31 January 1892, and became Captain 8 April 1892. Captain Haldane served in the Waziristan Expedition, 1894-95 (Medal with clasp), and in the operations in Chitral in 1895, with the Relief Force (Medal with clasp). He was ADC to General Sir William Lockhart, 1896-99. In 1897-98 he served in the Tirah Expedition as DAAG, Headquarters Staff, and was present at the actions of Chagra Kotal and Dargai, and at the capture of the Sampagha and Arhanga Passes. Reconnaissance at and around Dwatoi and action of 24 November 1897. Operations against the Khani Khel Chamkanis. Operations in the Bara Valley 7 to 11 December 1897. Operations in the Bazar Valley 25 to 30 December 1897. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 5 April 1898]; received two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 20 May 1898]: "James Ayhner Lowthorpe Haldane, Captain, Gordon Highlanders. In recognition of services during the recent operations on the North-West Frontier of India". The Insignia were presented to him by the Queen at Windsor 25 June 1898. He served in South Africa, 1899-1902, with the 2nd Gordon Highlanders, taking part in the operations in Natal in 1899, including the action at Elandslaagte, where he was severely wounded. He was in command of the Chieveley Armoured Train. Sir A Conan Doyle says, in ‘The Great Boer War' (page 166) "The Boers suddenly took the initiative, and in dramatic fashion. North of Estcourt, where, General Hildyard was being daily reinforced from the sea, there are two small townlets, or at least geographical and railway points. Frere is about ten miles north of Estcourt, and Chieveley is five miles north of that, and about as far to the south of Colenso. On 15 November an armoured train was despatched from Estcourt to see what was going on up the line. Already one disaster had befallen us in this campaign on account of these clumsy contrivances, and a heavier one was now to confirm the opinion that, acting alone, they are totally inadmissible. As a means of carrying artillery for a force operating upon either flank of them, with an assured retreat behind, there may be a place for them in modern war, but as a method of scouting they appear to be the most inefficient and also the most expensive that has ever been invented. An intelligent horseman would gather more information, be less visible, and retain some freedom as to route. After our experience the armoured train may step out of military history. The train contained 90 Dublin Fusiliers, Durban Volunteers, and 10 sailors, with a naval 7-pounder gun. Captain Haldane, of the Gordons, Lieutenant Frankland (Dublin Fusiliers) and Winston Churchill, the well-known correspondent, accompanied the expedition. What might have been foreseen occurred. The train steamed into the advancing Boer army, was fired upon, tried to escape, found the rails, blocked behind it, and upset. Dublins and Durbans were shot helplessly out of their trucks, under a heavy fire. A railway accident is a nervous, thing, and so is an ambuscade, but the combination of the two must be appalling. Yet there were brave hearts which rose to the occasion. Haldane and Frankland rallied the troops, and Churchill the engine-driver. The engine was disentangled and sent on with its cab full of wounded. Churchill, who had escaped upon it came gallantly back to share the fate of his comrades. The dazed, shaken soldiers continued a futile resistance for some time, but there was neither help nor escape and nothing for them but surrender. The most Spartan military critic cannot blame them. A few slipped away besides those who escaped upon the engine. Our losses, were two killed, 20 wounded, and about 80 taken. It is remarkable that of the three leaders both Haldane and Churchill succeeded in escaping from Pretoria". Captain Haldane was slightly wounded on this occasion. Operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June). Operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 20 November 1900, including actions at Belfast (20 and 27 August) and Lydenberg (5 to 8 September). He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 24 July 1902. He was promoted to Major 23 July 1932. In 1904 and 1905 he was attached to the Japanese Army in Manchuria, during the Russo-Japanese War. He was present at the Battles, of Liao-Yang, Sha-ho and Mukden, and received the Japanese War Medal and clasp, the Order of the Sacred Treasure (3rd Class), and was created a CB (1906). He was given the Brevet of Colonel 11 January 1906, and became Colonel 29 October 1906; was Assistant Director of Military Operations, Headquarters of Army, 29 October 1906 to 30 September 1909; was Brigadier General, General Staff, Eastern Command, 1 October 1909 to 27 April 1912; Brigade Commander, 10th Brigade, Eastern Command, 28 April 1912 to 4 August 1912. He served in the European War from 5 August 1914, as Brigade Commander, 10th Infantry Brigade, British Expeditionary Force, up to 20 November 1914; as General Officer Commanding 3rd Division, British Expeditionary Force and British Armies in France, 21 November 1914 to 7 August 1916, and as Army Corps Commander, 6th Army Corps, British Armies in France, 8 August 1916. He was promoted to Major General 26 October 1914; to Lieutenant General 1 January 1919; was eight times mentioned in Despatches; created a KCB in 1918; Grand Officier de l'Ordre de la Couronne; Commander, Legion of Honour, in 1918; Croix de Guerre (French and Belgian). He was made a, Knight of Grace of St John of Jerusalem in 1912. Sir Aylmer Haldane published 'How we escaped from Pretoria'. His favourite recreations were shooting and travelling.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Gordon Highlanders |
| Hale | Charles Henry | Surgeon Captain | HALE, CHARLES HENRY, Surgeon Captain, was born at Eastbourne, Sussex, 9 March 1863, second son of G W Hale, MA, Trinity College, Cambridge, and Mrs Hale. He was educated at Plymouth Grammar School, and became Captain, RAMC, 5 February 1887. Captain Hale served in South Africa, 1890-7, was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, March 1897], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 7 May 1897]: "Charles Henry Hale, Surgeon Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps. In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa, 1896". The Insignia were presented to him by the Queen at Windsor 19 May 1897. He became Major, 5 February 1899; served in the South African War, 1901-1902, taking part in the operations in Orange River Colony, March 1901 to 31 May 1902. Operations in Cape Colony, February to March 1901-02 (Queen's Medal with 4 clasps). He became Lieutenant Colonel 7 June 1911. Lieutenant Colonel Hale served in the European War from 1914; became Colonel 1 March 1915; Assistant Director of Medical Services 28 April 1915 to 28 December 1915, and DAMS, 9th Corps, to the evacuation of Suvla Bay, and then DDMS, 8th Corps, to the evacuation of Cape Helles; created a CMG 1916, for services in Gallipoli. Colonel Hale retired on retired pay 23 May 1917. He was a widower, and has one daughter, Eva Willes Hale.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Army Medical Corps |
| Hale | George Ernest | Surgeon | HALE, GEORGE ERNEST, Surgeon, was born 13 June 1861, at Eastbourne, son of George Wills Hale (MA Cambridge), of Glenwood, Paignton, and Elizabeth Jane Hale, daughter of Mr Edwards, of Cambridge. He was educated at Cheltenham College; was MRCS England and LRCP Edinburgh. He joined the Army on 31 January 1885. He served with the Sudan Frontier Force, 1885-80, and was present at the action of Ginnis (Medal and Khedive's Star); in Burma, 1889-91; received the Medal and two clasps, and was mentioned in Despatches, for the Pounkham Expedition, 1889; for the Tonhon Expedition was recommended for a VC, but received the thanks of the Government instead. No military rewards were given for this expedition. In the Wuntho Expedition, the following winter, 1891, he was mentioned in Despatches for special gallantry on the Field, received two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 18 March 1892]: "In recognition of services against the Lun Saing Tonhon Kachins, and in the Wuntho District, Upper Burma. George Ernest Hale, Surgeon, Medical Staff". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and presented by him 26 October 1892. Promoted to Surgeon Major in 1897, he served in South Africa, 1900-02, as OC, Imperial Yeomanry Bearer Company, and Senior Medical Officer, General Mahon's Column (mentioned in Lord Roberts's Despatches); later as OC, 23rd Bearer Company, and SMO, Colonel Sitwell's Column (Queen's Medal with three clasps, King's Medal with two clasps). On 17 December 1902, he married, firstly, Kathleen (died 1904), youngest daughter of Dr Wadd, of Richmond. In 1908 he was appointed Honorary Surgeon to the Viceroy of India. The Gazette was worded: "For special gallantry in the field in South Africa". He married, secondly, in 1908, Lucy Fead, youngest daughter of Captain W Scott, RA, granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel G Fead, CB, Grenadier Guards. Lieutenant Colonel G E Hale retired from the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1912. He was re-employed 7 June 1915, and joined the British Expeditionary Field Force as OC, 45th Brigade, 10th Scottish Division, and was present at the Battle of Loos. Lieutenant Colonel G E Hale was fond of big game shooting, which was his special sport in India; nine tigers fell to his rifle; also buffalo, bear, leopard. He also shot small game. He held many cups for bicycle-racing, fencing, putting the shot, rowing and shooting.
Egypt (0) (Lt Col RAMC). Dixon Nov 05 £950.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Medical Service |
| Hall | George Clifford Miller | Lieutenant | HALL, GEORGE CLIFFORD MILLER, Lieutenant, was born 26 January 1872, son of Captain W H Hall, RN. He entered the Royal Engineers 12 February 1892; became Lieutenant 12 February 1895; Major 19 December 1902, and Temporary Lieutenant Colonel. He served with the Nile Expedition, 1897 (Egyptian Medal with clasp; 4th Class Medjidie); again with the Nile Expedition, 1898 (Despatches [London Gazette, 9 December 1898]; Medal). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 16 December 1898]: "George Clifford Miller Hall, Lieutenant, Royal Engineers. In recognition of services during the recent operations in the Sudan". He has the Order of the Nile, 2nd Class, and the 3rd Class Osmanieh. He was formerly Traffic Manager, Egyptian State Railways. He married (1st), in 1901, Genevieve (who died in 1902), daughter of J B Stickney, of St Augustine, Florida, and in 1908 he married (secondly) Annie E M, daughter of Fitzroy Kelly, MA, of Lincoln's Inn, and they had two sons and two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Engineers |
| Hall | Herbert Goodenough King- | Lieutenant Commander | HALL, HERBERT GOODENOUGH KING-, Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Navy, was born 15 March 1862, youngest son of Admiral Sir William King-Hall and Louisa, daughter of James Forman. He was educated at a private school and in HMS Britannia, and joined the Royal Navy in 1875, becoming Lieutenant in 1882. He served in HMS Sultan in the bombardment of Alexandria and the Egyptian War of 1882 (Egyptian War Medal, clasp and Bronze Star). He served in command of HMS Magpie in the Expedition against the Mandingoes in the Gambia in 1894; acted as Chief of Staff to Admiral Bedford, Commander-in-Chief; received the Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 May 1894]: "Herbert Goodenough King-Hall, Lieutenant-Commander, Royal Navy. In recognition of services in the recent operations against Focley Silah, in Combo, on the Gambia". The Warrants, Statutes and Insignia were sent to the Admiralty, and presented 6 July 1894. He was promoted to Commander in 1895; was a member of the Naval Intelligence Department, 1895-96; served as Naval Transport Officer in Natal during the South African War (Medal and clasp). He was promoted to Captain in 1900; created a CB in 1907, and a CVO in 1908; appointed ADC to the King, 1908-9; Director of Naval Intelligence. As Commodore in HMS indomitable he took His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to Canada in 1908; he became Rear Admiral in 1909; was Director of Naval Mobilization at the Admiralty, 1909-11; Rear Admiral, Second Division, Home Fleet, 1911-12. He was Commander-in-Chief at the Cape of Good Hope, 1913-16, and directed the operations resulting in the destruction of the German cruiser, Konigsberg. He was created a KCB in 1916, and became Vice Admiral in 1915. He married Lady Mabel Murray, sister to the 5th Earl of Mansfield.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Navy |
| Hamilton | Hubert Ion Wetherall | Major | HAMILTON, HUBERT ION WETHERALL, Major, was born 27 June 1861; entered the Queen's Regiment in 1880; was Adjutant, 1886-90; served in the Burmese Expedition, 1886-88; received Medal with two clasps. He served in the Nile Expedition of 1897, and received Egyptian Medal with clasp; in the Expedition of 1898, and was present at the Battles of the Atbara and Khartoum; mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 24 May and 30 September 1898]; received two clasps to Egyptian Medal, and also Medal; was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "Hubert Ion Wetherall Hamilton, Major, Royal West Surrey Regiment. In recognition of services in Egypt and the Sudan, including the Battles of Atbara and Khartoum". The Insignia were sent to GOC, Egypt, 9 December 1898, and presented by the Duke of Connaught at Omdurman 19 February 1899). Captain Hamilton was promoted Major in 1898; served in the Nile Expedition, 1899, as DAG; in operations in first advance against Khalifa, and received a clasp to the Egyptian Medal. He served in South Africa, 1899-1902, as DAAG, during operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); during operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria; during operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; during operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; in the operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; during operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900; operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony; on the Zululand Frontier of Natal and in Cape Colony 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902; mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 16 April 1901, and 29 July 1902]. Promoted Lieutenant Colonel (half-pay); ADC to the King with Brevet of Colonel. He received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps; AAG, Army Headquarters, South Africa, in 1900. From 1900 to 1902 he was Military Secretary to General Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief, South Africa. He was Military Secretary to General Lord Kitchener, Commander-in-Chief, India, 1902-5; was created a CB in 1906; commanded the 7th Brigade, 1906-8; became Major General, General Staff, Mediterranean Command, 1908-9; was created a CVO in 1909, and a KCB in 1914. Sir Hubert Hamilton was killed in action 14 October 1914, at La Couture, France. Lord Ernest Hamilton, in 'The First Seven Divisions' (page 146), says: "Sir Hubert Hamilton, the Divisional General, ... came along on foot to inspect the trenches, disregarding warnings as to the great danger he was running. He proceeded on foot down the Richebourg Road, which was swept by shell fire, in company with Captain Strutt, commanding the Royal Scots, and was almost immediately killed by a shell, Captain Strutt, being at the same time rendered unconscious. The General's ADC Captain Thorp, ran forward and knelt by Sir Hubert's body, trying to screen it from the shells which were now falling thickly on the road. Captain Strutt shortly afterwards recovered consciousness, but was almost immediately wounded by another shell, and the command of the Royal Scots devolved upon Lieutenant Cazenove". An obituary notice of General Hamilton appeared in the ‘Times' of 19 October 1914.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Queen's) Royal West Surrey Regiment |
| Hamilton | Ian Standish Monteith | Colonel | HAMILTON, IAN STANDISH MONTEITH, General, was born at Corfu, 16 January 1853, son of Captain Christian Monteith Hamilton, who later commanded the Gordon Highlanders, and was himself the son of John George Hamilton and of Chistina Cameron Monteith, daughter of Henry Monteith, of Carstairs, some time Member of Parliament for Lanarkshire. Ian Hamilton's mother was the Honourable Maria Corinna Vereker, daughter of John, third Viscount Gort, by Maria O'Grady, daughter of Viscount Guillamore. The family was one of the elder branches of the Scottish Hamiltons, and Sir Ian represents the male line of the Hamiltons of Westport. He was educated first at Cheam, and later at Wellington College; studied in Germany, and then went to Sandhurst: was gazetted to the 12th Foot as Second Lieutenant 24 April 1872, and was transferred to his father's old regiment, the 92nd, 24 April 1873, becoming Lieutenant 24 September 1873. In the Afghan War of 1878-80, Ian Hamilton was first brought to the notice of Sir Frederick Roberts, on account of his having made his way with one brother subaltern into a signalling post which had been rushed by the Afghans. The two subalterns recovered the arms and accoutrements left therein, and held the post until a relief party arrived upon the scene. They then organized a pursuit and killed the leader of the Afghan raiders, whose body they brought back into camp. As a result of this adventure, Ian Hamilton was made Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of the British Cavalry Brigade, and was present at the engagement of Charasieh, 6 October 1870, including the subsequent pursuit of the Afghans (mentioned in Despatches). He also took part in the operations round Kabul in December 1879 (mentioned in Despatches; Medal with two clasps). Lieutenant Hamilton served in the Boer War in 1881, and was severely wounded at the action of Majuba Hill, where he was subaltern in charge of a weak picket of Gordon Highlanders. He was wounded in the wrist, knee and hand, and taken prisoner; but the Boer commander (probably Joubert) let him keep his sword, which had been his father's before him. Hamilton thanked the Boer General, and remarked: "This has been a bad day for us". "What can you expect", retorted the Boer, "from fighting on a Sunday?" A Dutch hospital assistant inspected the prisoners, and thought Hamilton was too badly wounded to take. He was dismissed with the remark: "You will probably die. You may go". All night he lay in a marsh at the foot of the mountain, and next morning he was found lying there by his own little dog, which had come out with a search party from camp. He was mentioned in Despatches; became Captain, Gordon Highlanders, 25 February 1882. In 1884 and 1885 he saw service in the Nile Expedition, for he was on his way home from India on leave, and when the steamer reached Suez he ran across the sands to a train just leaving for Cairo, caught it by the skin of his teeth, and again, by a margin of only a few hours, caught the headquarters of his own regiment as it was leaving Cairo for the front. At Wady Haifa, with great difficulty, he got himself definitely posted to a vacancy in the Gordon Highlanders, and was given a company and a boat in the River Column. Toiling up the river, Hamilton's company gradually pulled away from the rest of the regiment, until at last they came up with the fighting front in the middle of the only action fought by the River Column. He and his company alone of the Gordon Highlanders fought in the action of Kirbekan and wear the clasp for that engagement. For his services in this campaign he was mentioned in Despatches: given the Brevet of Major 7 November 1885; received the Medal with two clasps and the Khedive's Star. On his return to India he became an Aide-de-Camp on the Staff of Lord Roberts, then commanding the Madras Army. Lord Roberts was doing his best to improve the shooting of the Army, and he and his Staff formed themselves into teams, and had rifle matches with the regiments in the Madras Command. "In these competitions Hamilton's skill with the rifle and his keen interest in musketry stood him in good stead". He was ADC and afterwards Persian Interpreter to Lord Roberts, Commander-in-Chief in India, from 9 March 1886 to 30 June 1890, and in 1886 and 1887 he took part in the Burma Campaign (Despatches; Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel, 1 July 1887; Medal with clasp). About this time he wrote a book inculcating the supreme importance of musketry in the Army, and insisting on the necessity for a more practical course than bull's-eye shooting. Moving targets and celerity and precision practices were therein advocated for the first time as a part of a regular military curriculum. The book was called 'The Fighting of the Future'. During the same period was published, 'Jaunt in a Junk'; a volume of verses, 'The Ballad of Hadji and the Boar', and one or two other things. After the Burma Expedition, Lord Roberts, who, it was said, was greatly taken with Ian Hamilton's book on musketry, ‘The Fighting of the Future', made him Assistant Adjutant-General for Musketry at Army Headquarters in India. As AAG for Musketry Ian Hamilton was strongly backed by Lord Roberts in his assiduous work for the improvement of musketry in the Indian Army. The Army at home was still tied to the pure bull's-eye system, but Lord Roberts encouraged his AAG to break away from the old tradition with the shooting course of the native army, which until then had followed closely on the lines of the British Musketry Regulations. So encouraged, Ian Hamilton wrote out the native musketry regulations afresh on original principles, the British Army Regulations being similarly remodelled some years later. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 30 May 1891]. He was Military Secretary to General Sir George White, Commander-in-Chief in India, 8 April 1893 to 10 October 1895, and then became Deputy Quartermaster-General for India; but from this appointment he was sent to take part in the operations of the Chitral Relief Force, with which he served under Sir Robert Low in 1895 as AAG and QMG, Lines of Communication (Despatches; created a CB; Medal and clasp). In 1896 he was given command of a brigade in the Tirah Expedition. After marching through the Kohat Pass, his horse fell with him and broke his leg, so that he was obliged to resign his command. When his leg had mended after a fashion, Sir William Lockhart again gave Hamilton command of a brigade (the 3rd Brigade), but the fighting was practically over, though for his services in holding the advanced posts in the Bara Valley General Lockhart mentioned him in Despatches, and he received the Medal with clasp. Whilst holding the outlet of the Bara Valley with his brigade, he received a letter from General Sir William Lockhart offering him the officiating appointment of Quartermaster-General in India, and a cable from Sir Evelyn Wood, Adjutant-General to the Home Forces, offering him the Commandantship of the School of Musketry, Hythe, "in consideration of good services rendered in that branch of military instruction". The Indian post was the more important and much the more highly paid; but Ian Hamilton was a musketry fanatic, and he accepted the Home appointment, thus from 11 May 1898 to 15 September 1899, being Commandant, School of Musketry, Hythe. When Sir George White was sent to Natal in September 1899, he selected Ian Hamilton as his Assistant Adjutant-General (16 September 1899 to 11 October 1899). He became Major General (supernumerary) commanding an infantry brigade 12 October 1899, and thus had command of a brigade practically from the beginning of the fighting in the South African War. He took part in the operations in Natal in 1899, and was recommended by Sir John French—who was himself eye-witness to the personal action of Ian Hamilton—for the Victoria Cross. It was, however, held that a Brigadier General was too senior to be eligible for that distinction, as it was undesirable that officers of that rank should be encouraged to run too many personal risks. The following letter was given to Sir Ian Hamilton by Lord Ro | Gordon Highlanders |
| Hamilton | William George | Major | HAMILTON, WILLIAM GEORGE, Major, was born 2 January. He was gazetted to the 30th Foot 11 May 1878, and became Lieutenant, East Lancashire Regiment, 23 June 1880. He was Adjutant, East Lancashire Regiment, 10 November 1880 to 9 November 1885; became Captain 18 April 1885; was Station Staff Officer, First Class, Bengal, 27 June 1889 to 27 July 1890. He served in the Isazai Expedition, 1892, as Brigade Major, and became Major, East Lancashire Regiment, 17 September 1895. In 1895 he served in the Chitral Campaign with the Relief Force on the Staff, taking part in the storming of the Malakand Pass, the passage of the Swat River, and action at the Panjkora River. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 15 November 1895]; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 21 January 1896]: "William George Hamilton, Major, The East Lancashire Regiment. In recognition of services during the recent operations in Chitral". Major Hamilton was personally decorated by Her Majesty 15 May 1896. He was DAQMG Headquarters, Bengal, 15 August 1900 to 27 September 1900; was transferred to the Norfolk Regiment 20 February 1901; was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 12 March 1904; was AAG, India, 1 September 1904 to 19 June 1908; was given the Brevet of Colonel 12 March 1907; was AAG, Musketry, Headquarters, India, 20 June 1908; became Colonel 10 February 1909. He commanded the Southern Brigade, India, 1913-15; served in the European War from 1914; in Mesopotamia (Despatches); as DAQMG, 1915-10; was created a CB in 1915, and retired from the Staff, with the rank of Brigadier General, 27 January 1919. He was created a CSI, in 1918.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | East Lancashire Regiment |
| Hammond | Arthur George | Lieutenant Colonel | HAMMOND, ARTHUR GEORGE, Captain, was born 28 September 1843, the son of Major Thomas John Hammond, HEICS, and his wife, Anne Hammond (nee Warren). He was educated at King Edward VI. School, Sherborne, Dorset, and at Addiscombe College, which he entered in February 1861, and on 7 June of the same year obtained his commission, gaining 2nd place in the examination and taking four prizes. He landed at Calcutta on the 31st December 1861, and was attached to Her Majesty's 82nd Regiment, then quartered at Delhi. On the 17th October 1862, he joined the 12th (Kalat-i-Ghilzai) Native Infantry, and having passed the PH examination in Hindustani, was posted in September 1863, to the Corps of Guides, which regiment he joined 17 September at Mardan. The Guides formed part of the army then being assembled for the Umbeyla Campaign, and Lieutenant Hammond was placed in command of a detachment of the corps which was left to hold the fort at Mardan. In May, 1864, he was appointed Quartermaster of his regiment ; in November 1865, Wing-Commander; in June, 1867, he was admitted to the Bengal Staff Corps, and in April, 1875, he passed in Military Surveying and Field Engineering at the Rurki College by "the Higher Standard with great credit". Captain Hammond served with the QVO Corps of Guides as Wing-Commander through the whole of the Jowaki Campaign of 1877-1878, including the capture of Fayah and Jammu, and the forcing of the Naru-Kula Pass. Twice he was mentioned in Despatches and "specially thanked for gallant conduct" by General Keyes (GO 738), 9 August 1878 (North-West Frontier Medal and two clasps). In 1878 he was with his regiment in the operations against the Ranizai village of Skhakat, 14 September, and in the attack on the Utman Khel villages on the 21st of the same month. He served with the Guide Infantry throughout the whole of the Afghan Campaign of 1878-79— 80. Besides taking part in many minor affairs, he was present at the storming of the Takht-i-Shah on the 13th and the Asmai Heights on the 14th of December, the march into Koh-i-Damon, and the second action at Charasiah on the 25th April 1880. He was mentioned in Despatches (23 January 1880) by Sir F Roberts, who says: "Another officer who greatly distinguished himself on this occasion was Captain A G Hammond, Queen's Own Corps of Guides. He had been very forward during the storming of the Asmai Heights, and now, when the enemy were crowding up the western slopes, he remained with a few men on the ridge until the Afghans were within thirty yards of them. During the retirement, one of the men of the Guides was shot. Captain Hammond stopped and assisted in carrying him away, though the enemy were at the time close by and firing heavily". (GOCC No 137). For his services on this day Captain Hammond was awarded the Victoria Cross. He also received the Afghan Medal and two clasps. His Victoria Cross was gazetted 18 October 1881: "Arthur George Hammond, Captain (now Major), Bengal Staff Corps. For conspicuous coolness and gallantry at the action on the Asmai Heights, near Kabul, on the 14th December 1879, in defending the top of the hill, with a rifle and fixed bayonet, against large numbers of the enemy, while the 72nd Highlanders and Guides were retiring; and again, on the retreat down the hill, in stopping to assist in carrying away a wounded sepoy, the enemy being not 60 yards off, firing heavily all the time". During the Hazara Campaign of 1888, he commanded the 3rd Sikhs; was mentioned in Despatches, received a clasp to the North-West Frontier Medal and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 12 April 1889]: "Arthur George Hammond, Bengal Staff Corps". Was Commandant Queen's Own Corps of Guides from 1 February 1891 to 28 September 1895. In the Hazara Campaign of 1891 Brigadier General Hammond commanded the Right Column up to 17 July 1891, and commanded the Hazara Field Force 17 July 1891 to 2 December 1891. He was thus mentioned in Despatches by General Elles: "Brigadier General Hammond in his detached operations exhibited an energy and resource worthy of all praise". (GOD, 28 August 1891). Brigadier General Hammond received a clasp to the North-West Frontier Medal, and was created a CB in 1892, in the Isazai Expedition, he was Brigadier-General Commanding the 2nd Brigade Communications and the 4th Brigade. In the Relief of Chitral he was Brigadier General Commanding Communications and the 4th Brigade, and was mentioned in Despatches (GOD, 998, dated 27 September 1895), Medal and clasp. In 1897 he was Brigadier-General Commanding the Assam Brigade. He commanded the Peshawar Column and later the 3rd Brigade, Khyber Field Force, in the Tirah Campaign of 1897-98. He was mentioned in Despatches and received two clasps to India Medal of 1895. From 1890 to 1898 he was ADC to Queen Victoria from Colonelcy. In 1903 he was created a KCB. In 1907 he received the Jubilee Medal. In 1898 Colonel A G Hammond was awarded a Good Service Pension. On 2 June 1886, at St. George's, Campden Hill, London, he married Edith Jane, daughter of Major H J Wright, MS Corps, Indian Army. They had three children: Edith Amber; Veronica Ruth, and Arthur Verney, born 16 October 1892.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Bengal Staff Corps |
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