| Aspinall | Robert Lowndes | | Captain | ASPINALL, ROBERT LOWNDES, Captain, was born 3 March, 1869 elder son of Robert Augustus Aspinall, JP, DL. He was educated at Eton and Sandhurst, and was gazetted to the 15th Hussars 10 September 1888; was promoted Captain 10 July 1895, and retired from the 15th Hussars 25 January 1899. He went out to South Africa, 1900-2, with the Green Howards (the Yorkshire Regiment), where he served on Sir Join French's Staff as ADC, taking part in operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Reit Vlei and Belfast in the operations in the Transvaal 30 November to December 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, December 1900 to March, 1901; operations in Cape Colony, March to May 1902; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Robert Lowndes Aspinall, Captain, East Yorkshire Regiment. In recognition of services during operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901. Colonel Aspinall commanded the 3rd Yorkshires at mobilization, and later commanded troops of the South Garrison, Redcar. He then raised the 11th Yorkshires, a fine battalion, made up of Darlington Pals and of men from Richmond, Pontefract and other North country depots. He said he would not have exchanged for a battalion of Guard - if there had been any conceivable chance of leading the Green Howards in action, but when they became the New Army Reserve he transferred to the Cheshires and went with them to the Front. He was extremely well known in Darlington, and popular where the 11th Yorkshires were assembled for training purposes. His men adored him, and did not attempt to conceal their chagrin when he transferred to the Cheshire Regiment. The battalion undoubtedly reached a magnificent state of efficiency under his command, and his disappointment was very great when it was made a Reserve Battalion, supplying drafts for the Dardanelles and for France. Lieutenant Colonel Aspinall was killed in action on the 3rd July 1916, near Thiepval. He was a very well known writer on sporting subjects, am was a keen sportsman and a prominent figure in pre-war days at regimental race-meetings. He won the Cavalry Brigade Cup at Aldershot in 1897.
DSO, QSA (3) CC OFS Belf (Capt ADC, Cav Div Staff), KSA (2) (Capt DSO), 1914-15 Star (Lt Col DSO York Regt), BWM, Victory Medal (Lt Col) 1897 Jubilee (Capt). DNW 2002 £2400.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | East Yorkshire Regiment |
