| Roy | Joseph Edensor Gascoigne | | Lieutenant | ROY, JOSEPH EDENSOR GASCOIGNE, Lieutenant, was born 15 April 1872, son of Reverend Richard Clark Roy. He was educated at Rossall and joined the Cape Mounted Rifles 29 November 1891, and served in the First Matabele War, 1893-94 (Medal), and in Bechuanaland, 1897 (Medal and clasp). He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, as Lieutenant and Captain, taking part in operations in the Orange Free State, March to May 1900, including the defence of Wepener. Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, August to November 1900. Operations in Orange River Colony, May to August 1900, including actions at Wittebergen (1 to 29 July). Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900. Operations in the Transvaal, December 1900. Operations in the Orange River Colony, December 1900 to February 1901. Operations in Cape Colony, 1901-2. He was Adjutant, Cape Mounted Riflemen, December 1901 to April 1902; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "Joseph Edensor Gascoigne Roy, Lieutenant, Cape Mounted Rifles. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to South Africa, and presented to him at Umtata by Major Waring, Cape Mounted Rifles, 26 November 1901. He was appointed Gunnery Instructor, Cape Mounted Rifles, 1 January 1903, and was promoted to Major. In 1910 Major Roy was appointed to command the Cape Mounted Rifles at the opening of the Union Parliament at Cape Town, for which services he was awarded a Medal, and created an MVO, 1911. He subsequently held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the South African Mounted Riflemen.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Cape Mounted Rifles |
