Chetwode | Philip Walhouse | | Captain | CHETWODE, PHILIP WALHOUSE, Captain, was born 21 September 1869, eldest son of Lieutenant Colonel Sir George Chetwode, 6th Baronet, and Alice, daughter of Michael T Bass, of Rangemore, Staffordshire. He was educated at Eton, and joined the 19th Hussars (from the Militia), as Second Lieutenant, 20 November 1889, becoming Lieutenant 6 August 1890. He served in this campaign was awarded the Medal with clasp. He served in South Africa from 1899 to 1902; during operations in Natal, 1899; including actions at Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop; taking part in the defence of Ladysmith, including sortie of 7 December 1899, and action of 6 January 1900; during operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, including action at Laing's Nek; during operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Belfast and Lydenberg, and operations in the Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; during operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900, to May 1901; in Orange River Colony, July 1901; in Cape Colony, August 1901 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned twice in Despatches (February and 10 September 1901); awarded the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps. In September 1901, he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Philip Walhouse Chetwode, Captain, 19th Hussars. In recognition of services during operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 24 October 1902, and the Warrant sent 4 November 1902, and acknowledged by his mother 6 November 1902. He was promoted Major 21 December 1901, and succeeded his father to the Baronetcy in 1905. From 1906 to 1907 Major Chetwode was employed as AMS to the GO Commanding-in-Chief (1st Class), Aldershot Army Corps, and from December 1907 to May 1908, he acted in the same capacity to the GO Commanding-in-Chief, Aldershot Command. He became Lieutenant Colonel 3 January 1908, and Colonel 4 October 1911. In April 1912, he was appointed Brigadier Commander of the London Mounted Brigade, London District, and in May 1914, commanded the 5th Cavalry Brigade, Northern Command. He served during the European War, 1914-18, as Brigade Commander, 5th Cavalry Brigade, BEF, 5 August 1914 to 14 July 1915; was Divisional Commander, 2nd Cavalry Division, BEF, British Armies in France, 15 July 1915 to 15 November 1916. He commanded the Desert Column, No 3 Section, Canal Defences, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, 3 December 1916 to 21 April, 1917; Commander, Eastern Force, Egypt, 22 April 1917 to 1 August 1917. He was created a KCMG in 1917. General Sir Archibald Murray, GCMG, KCB, late General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, said in his Despatch, dated 28 June, 1917: "The General Officer Commanding Eastern Force, Lieutenant General Sir P W Chetwode, Baronet, KCMG, CB, DSO, has united the qualities of brilliant leadership and sure judgment, and has invariably inspired confidence in all ranks". Sir Philip Chetwode commanded the 20th Army Corps, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, 2 August 1917 to 8 June, 1919, taking part in the operations in Palestine and Syria. General Sir Edmund Allenby, GCMG, KCB, Commanding-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, says in his Despatch, dated 16 December 1917 [London Gazette, 25 January 1918]: "Major General (Temporary Lieutenant General) Sir Philip Chetwode, Baronet, KCMG, CB, DSO. My plan of operations was based on his appreciation of the situation, and on the scheme which he put forward to me on my arrival in Egypt last summer. To his strategical foresight and tactical skill the success of the campaign is largely due". General Sir Edmund Allenby said in his Despatch, dated 31 October 1918 [London Gazette, 30 December 1918]: "I ordered Lieutenant General Sir Philip Chetwode, Baronet, KCB, KCMG, DSO, commanding the 20th Corps, to advance his line, east of the Bireh-Nablus road, on the night preceding the main attack, so as to place the 53rd Division on his right flank, which was somewhat drawn back, in a more favourable position to block the exits to the lower valley of the Jordan. I ordered him to be prepared to carry out a further advance, with both the 53rd and 10th Divisions, on the evening of the day on which the attack in the coastal plain took place, or later, as circumstances demanded". Sir Philip Chetwode was created a KCB [London Gazette, 1 January 1918]: "For valuable services in connection with the military operations culminating in the capture of Jerusalem". He was made a Commandeur, Legion of Honour; he received the Croix de Guerre; was Grand Officier, Order of the Nile, and was promoted to Lieutenant General 1 January 1919. He became Military Secretary to the Secretary of State for War, and Secretary, Selection Board, 9 June, 1919. Sir Philip Chetwode married, in 1899, Hester Alice Camilla, eldest daughter of Colonel the Honourable Richard Stapleton-Cotton, and they had one son, Roger Charles George, born 18 April, 1906, and one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars |