Blakeney | Herbert Norwood | | Captain | BLAKENEY, HERBERT NORWOOD, Captain, was born 30 April, 1871, son of Colonel Henry Blakeney. He entered the Middlesex Regiment 29 November 1890, becoming Lieutenant 11 May 1892, and Captain 17 February 1900. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, employed with Mounted Infantry and attached to the Army Service Corps, and was present at operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including operations near Pretoria, Johannesburg and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); operations in Orange River Colony (May to 29 November 1900), including actions at Bethlehem (6 and 7 July), Wittebergen (1 to 29 July), Ladybrand (2 to 5 September) and Bothaville; operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900; operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River; operations in the Transvaal, July to September. 1901; operations in Orange River Colony, 30 November 1900, to July 1901; operations in Cape Colony, July 1901 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Herbert Norwood Blakeney, Captain, Middlesex Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant, etc, were sent to the GOC, Natal District, and presented by Colonel Dunlop at Newcastle, Natal, 28 December 1902. He was promoted to Major 27 May 1905. Major Blakeney served in the European War from 1914, as Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Service Battalion Middlesex Regiment, 5 February to 29 September 1916; became Lieutenant Colonel 28 September 1916; in command, Service Battalion Middlesex Regiment, 28 September 1916. He was wounded, and was created a CMG in 1918.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Duke of Cambridge's Own) Middlesex Regiment |