Downes | William Knox | | Lieutenant | DOWNES, WILLIAM KNOX, Lieutenant, was born 15 June 1855, at Pagrave, Suffolk, son of William Edward Downes, Rector of Baylham, Suffolk, and Sophia Judith Downes (nee Bonner). He was educated at Eton, and entered the Army as Sub-Lieutenant, Unattached, 10 September 1875, being gazetted to the 18th Foot 10 September 1876. He was transferred to the Bengal Staff Corps 7 May 1877; and served in the Afghan War, 1879-80 (Medal). He again saw active service in the Burmese Expedition of 1885-87. At the time the war broke out he was a Lieutenant in the 11th Rajputs. He proceeded with his regiment up the river Irrawaddy, and was engaged in the chief action of the war, viz, the attack on the Mindla Forts. On this occasion he was the first man to enter the fort, and it was for this action that he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order, being the first Lieutenant to receive it. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 22 June 1886]; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, as related above [London Gazette, 26 November 1886]: "William Knox Downes, Lieutenant, Bengal Staff Corps. For services in Burma". He became Captain, Indian Staff Corps, 10 September 1887, and served on the North-West Frontier of India, in Waziristan, 1901-2 (Medal with clasp). Captain Downes commanded the 11th Bengal Infantry, with the temporary rank of Major, and was promoted to Major 10 September 1896. Major Downes died on 22 March 1912, at Batheaston, of which place his brother, the Reverend A M Downes, was the Vicar.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Bengal Staff Corps |