Cuthbert | James Harold | | Lieutenant | CUTHBERT, JAMES HAROLD, Lieutenant, was born 21 July 1876, at Melster, Pietermaritzburg, Natal, son of Sidney Cuthbert, of Melster, Pietermaritzburg (second son of William Cuthbert, of Beaufront Castle, Hexham, Northumberland), and Frances Yates Griffin, daughter of J Griffin, of Pietermaritzburg, Natal; was educated at Sandroyd, Eton and Sandhurst; joined the Scots Guards 12 August 1896; served as Lieutenant in South Africa, 1899-1902; was extra ADC to the GOC, 1st Division, in the advance on Kimberley, and was present at the actions of Belmont, Enslin, Modder River and Magersfontein (Despatches); took part in operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Vet River and Zand River; participated in operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions at Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill; in operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to November, including action at Belfast; operations, west of Pretoria, and in the Orange River Colony. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 March, 1900]: "... Having shown considerable coolness in taking a message from Lord Methuen to the Gordon Highlanders", was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "James Harold Cuthbert, Lieutenant, Scots Guards. In recognition of services during operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief, South Africa, and presented 14 August 1901. He was appointed High Sheriff of Northumberland in 1911. On the outbreak of the European War he rejoined the 1st Battalion Scots Guards (from the Reserve of Officers), in France, 15 April, 1915. He was reported as wounded and missing 27 September 1915, and finally, on 7 May 1917, was reported as having been killed on 27 September 1915. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 1 January 1916]. He won the Army Revolver Championship in 1904, and published 'The 1st Battalion Scots Guards in South Africa, 1899-1902'. He married (1st) Anne Dorothy Frederica Byng, third daughter of the 5th Earl of Strafford, at Wrotham Park Private Chapel, 24 September 1903. She died in January 1907. (2ndly). Kathleen Alice Straker, elder daughter of John Straker, of Stagshaw Corbridge, Northumberland, at Hexham Abbey, 12 October 1908, and there were three sons: Harold David, born 11 September 1909; Gerald Ivor, born 25 January 1912; Sidney John, born 13 January 1914, and one daughter, Vida, born 24 December 1910.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Scots Guards |