| Ainsworth | William John | | Lieutenant | AINSWORTH, WILLIAM JOHN, Lieutenant, was born in Jhansi, India, 11 August 1873, the eldest son of Captain Ainsworth, late 106th Light Infantry, of Spotland, Rochdale, Lancashire, and Trentham House, Twickenham Park, London. He was educated at St Paul's School; entered the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in 1892; joined the Durham Light Infantry, as Second Lieutenant, 19 July 1893; became Lieutenant 23 July 1896. He served in the South African War, 1899-1900, and took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River. Operations in the Transvaal, in May and June, 1903, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June). Operations in Orange River Colony, June to August 1900. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "William John Ainsworth, Lieutenant, Durham Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa". The decoration was especially awarded for conspicuous gallantry in the affair at Sanna's Post 31 March, 1901. Lieutenant Ainsworth was Adjutant, Durham Light Infantry, 15 March, 1901, to 31 January 1905; was promoted to Captain 2 July 1901; was attached General Staff, War Office, 1 February 1905, to 30 November 1906; was Garrison Adjutant, Eastern Command, 1 June 1907 to 31 May 1909; Staff Captain, No 5 District, Northern Command, 6 June, 1911 to 4 August 1914. He was promoted to Major 21 July 1914. Major Ainsworth served during the European War; as DAAG, Northern Command, 5 August 1914 to 21 February 1915; DAAG, Bass, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 22 February to 30 November 1915; AAG, Force in Egypt, 1 December 1915 to 21 March, 1916; AAG, General Headquarters, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, from 1 April 1916. He was mentioned in Despatches; given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 3 June, 1917, and created a CBE in 1919.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Durham Light Infantry |
