Boyce | William George Bertram | | Major | BOYCE, WILLIAM GEORGE BERTRAM, Major, was born 27 May 1868, second son of Reverend W G Boyce, of Ballinoulart, County Wexford. He was gazetted to the Royal Berkshire Regiment, as Second Lieutenant, 14 September 1887, becoming Lieutenant, Royal Berkshire Regiment, 2 April 1891; Army Service Corps 1 April 1892, and Captain, Army Service Corps, 7 July 1893. He was Staff Captain, Cork District, 1 July 1899 to 8 October 1899. From 9 October 1899 to 10 January 1901, he was DAAG, 2nd Division, South African Field Force. He was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill. Operations in the Transvaal, in June 1900. Operations in Natal (March to June 1900), including action at Laing's Nek (6 to 9 June). Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899-1900. He was mentioned in Despatches (Sir R H Buller, 30 March and 9 November 1900) [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "William George Bertram Boyce, ASC. In recognition of services in the recent operations in South Africa". He was promoted to Major 1 January 1901, and Lieutenant Colonel 12 January 1909. From 4 July 1909 to 14 August 1913, Lieutenant Colonel Boyce was Commandant, Army Service Corps Training Establishment; became Colonel 30 October 1912; from 15 August 1913 to 14 December 1913, he was Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport, Aldershot Command, and from 15 December 1913 to 4 August 1914, he was Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport, Eastern Command. He served in the European War from 1914; was Deputy Director of Transport 5 August 1914 to 29 November 1914; became Temporary Brigadier General 30 November 1914, and was Director of Transport, British Expeditionary Force, 30 November 1914 to 13 May 1918, and Director of Transport, British Armies in France, from 16 May 1918. He was seven times mentioned in Despatches; promoted Major General 3 June 1917; created a CB, 1915; a CMG, January 1919, and a KCMG in 1919. He was awarded the Order of St Stanislaus, 2nd Class, with Swords, and Legion of Honour (Officier). In 1895 Sir William Boyce married Maud, eldest daughter of Captain J C Boyce, King's Own Regiment, of Wentworth, Merrion Road, Dublin.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Army Service Corps |