Brabant | Guy Alfred | | Lieutenant | BRABANT, GUY ALFRED, Lieutenant, was born 6 October 1873, at East London, South Africa, son of Major General Sir Edward Yewd Brabant, KCB, CMG, and Lady Brabant. His father greatly distinguished himself in the Boer War, and was the head of Brabant's Horse. He was created a KCB and was promoted Major General for his services. Another son was killed during a cavalry reconnaissance from Ladysmith. G A Brabant joined the Army in December 1900, and served in the South African War from then until 1902. He received the South African Medals with two clasps each; was promoted Captain, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "Guy Alfred Brabant, Lieutenant, South African Mounted Irregular Forces. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The decoration was awarded in particular for gallantry near Pearston, Cape Colony, 10 March, 1902. While with Colonel Price's Column, Lieutenant Brabant attacked a very strong position held by six Boers. He himself, with Second Lieutenant Francis and Sergeants Walsh and Metcalf, shot three of the six Boers and wounded one, and also captured six horses, saddles, etc. He was mentioned in Lord Kitchener's Despatch of 1 June 1902. He retired from the Cape Colonial Forces, as Captain, 26 September 1902, and became Lieutenant, Border Light Horse, Cape of Good Hope, 25 May 1903. Captain Brabant then farmed in Cape Colony. His favourite recreations were cricket, tennis and shooting. On 27 December 1910, at Koungha, Cape Town, Captain Brabant married Mary Ethel Austin Reaney, eldest daughter of C T Reaney, of Freetown, and they had a son, Richard Brabant, born 14 November 1912.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | SAMIF |