| Brake | Herbert Edward John | | Captain | BRAKE, HERBERT EDWARD JOHN, Captain, was born at Melksham, Wiltshire, 9 February 1866, only son of Surgeon General Brake, IMS. He was educated at Westward Ho! and joined the Royal Artillery as Lieutenant 18 February 1886. He served on the Punjab Frontier of India, 1887 to 1896, and was promoted to Captain 1 November 1896. Captain Brake was employed in the British Central African Protectorate 24 July 1897 to 1 December 1898, taking part in the expedition against the Mpezeni. He was mentioned in Despatches; received the Medal with clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 3 October 1899]: "Herbert Edward John Brake, Captain, Royal Artillery. In recognition of services during the recent operations in Uganda and Dutch Central Africa". The Insignia, etc, were sent to the Officer Commanding, Mauritius, who transferred the DSO to the GOC, Aden. Temporary Lieutenant Colonel H E J Brake acknowledged receipt of the Insignia, etc, 6 May 1900, forwarded to him by Officer Commanding the Troops, Mauritius. No official presentation was possible. Colonel Brake served in West Africa 1 January 1899 to 2 August 1902, with the King's African Rifles, taking part in the operations in Ashanti. He was slightly wounded; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 March 1901], and was given the Brevet of Major 29 November 1900. He was specially employed in West Africa in 1900, commanding the Field Force up the Gambia, and the operations against Fodi Kabba 29 December 1900 to 4 June 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Medal with clasp and was created a CB in 1901. He raised the 2nd Battalion King's African Rifles, and commanded it 1 January 1899 to 2 August 1902. He was Commandant of the Local Forces, and Inspector-General of Police, Trinidad, 17 September 1902 to 16 September 1907. He was promoted Major 6 January 1905. He served in the European War from 1914; was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 30 October 1914, and given the Brevet of Colonel 1 January 1916; was Brigadier General, Royal Artillery, Heavy Artillery, 18th Army Corps, British Armies in France, 15 January 1917 to 2 April 1918; Commandant, Heavy Artillery, Training Centre, Forces in Great Britain, from 1 June 1918. He was created a CMG in 1918.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Royal Artillery |
