| Benson | Henry Wightman | | Major | BENSON, HENRY WIGHTMAN, Major, was born 22 July 1855, at the Manor House, Teddington, Middlesex, son of General Henry Roxby Benson, CB, Colonel, 17th Lancers, and Mary Henrietta, daughter of the Honourable Sir William Wightman, Judge of Queen's Bench. He was educated at Eton, and at Brasenose College, Oxford. He rowed in Eton Eight, 1873; Oxford Eight, 1874; Leander Eight, 1875. At Eton he won the J-mile, also sculling and pairs twice. He joined the 1st West India Regiment as Sub-Lieutenant, from the Militia, 15 July 1876; became Lieutenant, West India Regiment, 15 July 1876; East Surrey Regiment 18 September 1879; Captain, 10 August 1884; was Adjutant, Militia, 1 January 1892 to 31 December 1897; became Major 8 February 1895. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902. He was in command 2nd Battalion East Surrey Regiment 2 May to 30 June, 1900, and 17 December 1901 to 16 January 1902. He took part in the operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, including action at Laing's Nek. Operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900, to 31 May 1902. He was twice mentioned in Despatches by Sir Redvers Buller. 19 June and 9 November 1900 [London Gazette, 8 February 1901], and by Lord Kitchener, 29 July 1902; 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, 19 April, 1901]: "Henry Wightman Benson, Major, East Surrey Regiment In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa". (The Insignia, etc, were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, and presented there.) He retired as Major, for age, 22 July 1903, and was made Honorary Lieutenant Colonel for Home Service in raising a Battalion. Became Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 1 October 1914; Honorary Lieutenant Colonel 6 March, 1917.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | East Surrey Regiment |
