de Castilla | John Stephen Ramos | | Lieutenant | DE CASTILLA, JOHN STEPHEN RAMOS, Lieutenant, was born in Scotland 22 December 1866, son of Henry de Castilla. He was educated at Aberdeen; joined the Western Australian Field Force Artillery in March, 1899; proceeded to South Africa as Lieutenant in the West Australian Mounted Infantry (2nd Contingent), and served in the South African War, 1899-1902. He took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, including actions at Vet River and Zand River; operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill; operations in Cape Colony. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April, 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "John Stephen Ramos de Castilla, Lieutenant, West Australian Mounted Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were sent to Western Australia and presented there. He was promoted to Captain in 1901. He became Major, South African Constabulary, in December 1901. Major de Castilla was placed on the Reserve of Officers, Union Defence Force, from October 1904. When the European War broke out he helped to suppress the rebellion in South Africa, 1914-15. He afterwards served in the German East African Campaign, 1916-17, as Major, Imperial Service Contingent, and was promoted Lieutenant Colonel in September 1918; he was Commandant, British Troops, Beira, Portuguese East Africa. He was appointed Resident Magistrate, Wolmaransstad, Transvaal. Lieutenant Colonel de Castilla married, on 10 March, 1904, at Winburg, Orange River Colony, Maude Lilian, eldest daughter of Benjamin Bremner, of Charlottetown, Canada.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | West Australia contingent |