| Hale | George Ernest | | Surgeon | HALE, GEORGE ERNEST, Surgeon, was born 13 June 1861, at Eastbourne, son of George Wills Hale (MA Cambridge), of Glenwood, Paignton, and Elizabeth Jane Hale, daughter of Mr Edwards, of Cambridge. He was educated at Cheltenham College; was MRCS England and LRCP Edinburgh. He joined the Army on 31 January 1885. He served with the Sudan Frontier Force, 1885-80, and was present at the action of Ginnis (Medal and Khedive's Star); in Burma, 1889-91; received the Medal and two clasps, and was mentioned in Despatches, for the Pounkham Expedition, 1889; for the Tonhon Expedition was recommended for a VC, but received the thanks of the Government instead. No military rewards were given for this expedition. In the Wuntho Expedition, the following winter, 1891, he was mentioned in Despatches for special gallantry on the Field, received two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 18 March 1892]: "In recognition of services against the Lun Saing Tonhon Kachins, and in the Wuntho District, Upper Burma. George Ernest Hale, Surgeon, Medical Staff". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and presented by him 26 October 1892. Promoted to Surgeon Major in 1897, he served in South Africa, 1900-02, as OC, Imperial Yeomanry Bearer Company, and Senior Medical Officer, General Mahon's Column (mentioned in Lord Roberts's Despatches); later as OC, 23rd Bearer Company, and SMO, Colonel Sitwell's Column (Queen's Medal with three clasps, King's Medal with two clasps). On 17 December 1902, he married, firstly, Kathleen (died 1904), youngest daughter of Dr Wadd, of Richmond. In 1908 he was appointed Honorary Surgeon to the Viceroy of India. The Gazette was worded: "For special gallantry in the field in South Africa". He married, secondly, in 1908, Lucy Fead, youngest daughter of Captain W Scott, RA, granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel G Fead, CB, Grenadier Guards. Lieutenant Colonel G E Hale retired from the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1912. He was re-employed 7 June 1915, and joined the British Expeditionary Field Force as OC, 45th Brigade, 10th Scottish Division, and was present at the Battle of Loos. Lieutenant Colonel G E Hale was fond of big game shooting, which was his special sport in India; nine tigers fell to his rifle; also buffalo, bear, leopard. He also shot small game. He held many cups for bicycle-racing, fencing, putting the shot, rowing and shooting.
Egypt (0) (Lt Col RAMC). Dixon Nov 05 £950.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Medical Service |
