de Brett | Harry Simonds | | Lieutenant | DE BRETT, HARRY SIMONDS, Lieutenant, was born 20 September 1870, was educated at Clifton, and joined the Royal Artillery 15 February 1889, becoming Lieutenant 15 February 1892. He served on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897-98, taking part in the action at Maizar, Tochi. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 7 December 1897], received the Medal with clasp and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 7 January 1898]: "Harry Simonds de Brett, Lieutenant, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services at Maizar, in the Tochi Valley, 10 June 1897". The Warrant, Insignia and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and the Insignia presented on 22 March 1898, by the GOC, Tochi Brigade, at a Brigade Parade. He became Captain 1 September 1899, and was Adjutant, Royal Artillery, 7 July 1900 to 2 January 1901, serving in the South African War from 1899 to 1900, and taking part in the operations in the Orange Free State February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (26 February); actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein (Queen's Medal and three clasps). He served in China in 1900 (Medal). He was Brigade Major, India, 31 October 1904 to 31 October 1908; became Major 15 September 1909; was specially employed in Somaliland 11 November 1909 to 21 May 1910 (Medal with clasp); GSO2, War Office, 30 September 1910 to 17 December 1914. He, served in the European War from 1914, as GSO2, 28th Division, New Armies, British Expeditionary Force, 18 December 1914 to 11 August 1915; GS0.1, 3rd Division, British Expeditionary Force, British Armies in France, 12 August 1915 to 16 November 1916; was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1916; became Lieutenant Colonel 18 June 1916; was Brigadier General, Royal Artillery, Heavy Artillery, 3rd Army Corps, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, 4 March 1918 to 14 July 1918; AAG, War Office (temporary), 1 September 1918. He was created a CMG in 1917, and given the Brevet of Colonel 1 January 1919. He married, in 1901, Alice Maud, second daughter of Arthur Davies, and they had one son and one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |