Fane | Cecil | | Lieutenant | FANE, CECIL, Lieutenant, was born at Biarritz, South of France, 10 September 1876, son of Captain F A Fane, Rifle Brigade. He was educated at Rugby, and was gazette! to the 12th (Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers 9 June, 1897, and was promoted to Lieutenant 21 March 1902. From 1899 to 1902 he served in the South African War, taking part in the advance on Kimberley, including action at Magersfontein; at the Relief of Kimberley; took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including those at Paardeberg; actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain) and Zand River; in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Diamond Hill; in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; in the Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including actions at Lindley, Bethlehem and Witterbergen; served as Adjutant, 12th Lancers, June 1901 to 31 May 1902; again served during operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to July 1901; also in Cape Colony, July 1901 to 31 May 1902 (Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 10 September 1901]; Queen's Medal with six clasps and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Cecil Fane, Lieutenant, 12th Lancers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and were presented by Major General Creagh, at Umballa, at General Parade, 10 February 1903. He was Adjutant, 12th Lancers, 23 August 1902 to 31 October 1903; was employed with the West African Frontier Force 2 April to 12 November 1904; became Captain 21 May 1904, and Major 28 September 1912. He served in the European War from 1914 in France, and was twice wounded, three times mentioned in Despatches, and given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 18 February 1915. He became Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, commanding the 2/7th Territorial Force Battalion Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment (15 February to 4 October 1916), and was sent to Ireland to quell the Rebellion. The 2/7th Sherwood Foresters were the leading Battalion in the thick of the two days' fighting. Lieutenant Colonel Fane was wounded the first day, but remained on duty both days. He was Acting Lieutenant Colonel, 12th Lancers, 19 October 1916, to 3 September 1917, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 4 September 1917. He was created a CMG in 1916. Lieutenant Colonel C Fane married, in 1918, Gladys Mac-George, daughter of Colonel Stanley Barry.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 12th (The Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers |