| Boucher | Benjamin Hamilton | | Captain | BOUCHER, BENJAMIN HAMILTON, Captain, was born 20 February 1864, son of B Boueher, of The Croft, Wiveliscombe, Somerset. He was educated at Marlborough; entered the Army 25 November 1885; served with the Burmese Expedition, 1887-89 (Medal with clasp); became Captain 29 August 1892; was appointed Station Staff Officer, Bengal, 1893-95; served with the Chitral Relief Force, 1895, and was Adjutant, 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment 1896-1900. He served in the South African War, 1899-1900, as Captain of the Hampshire Regiment, taking part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Karee Siding, Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; during the operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria. He was mentioned in Despatches 10 September 1901; received the Medal and three clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901 ]: "Benjamin Hamilton Boucher, Captain, Hampshire Regiment. In recognition of services in the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901. Major Boucher was appointed Adjutant, 4th Volunteer Battalion, 1900-4. On retiring from the Army he was appointed Governor of HM's Prison, Knutsford. Since 1917 he has commanded 1st Garrison Battalion Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. He married, in 1896 (1st), Helen, eldest daughter of C Boucher, JP, of Eaglemont, Kilmington, Devon, and of Lambcroft, Lincolnshire; she died in 1904, leaving three sons. He married (secondly), in 1907, Dorothy (who died in 1916), daughter of Engledene Prideaux, of Leeson, Wellington, Somerset.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Hampshire Regiment |
