Archer-Shee | Martin | | Lieutenant | ARCHER-SHEE, MARTIN, Lieutenant, was born 5 May 1873, son of Martin Archer-Shee and Elizabeth Edith (nee Dennistoun-Pell), of New York. He was educated at the Oratory School, HMS Britannia, and at Sandhurst; served in the Royal Navy as Midshipman, 1888-90; entered the Army, 19th Hussars, 5 March, 1893; was Adjutant, 19th Hussars, 1 January 1898 to 1901. He served in South Africa, 1899-1902, as Adjutant, 19th Hussars, to 31 December 1901. He took part in operations in Natal in 1899, including actions at Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop; Defence of Ladysmith, including sortie of 7 December 1899, and action of 6 January 1900; operations in Natal (March to June, 1900), including action at Laing's Nek; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Belfast and Lydenburg; operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1903 to 31 May 1902; operations in Orange River Colony, May 1902. He was severely wounded; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 10 September 1901, and 25 April, 1902]; was given the Brevet of Major; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 Sept, 1901]: "Martin Archer-Shee, Lieutenant, 19th Hussars. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was Assistant Adjutant, Cavalry School, 1904, and resigned, 1905. He became Major, Reserve of Officers, 19th Hussars. He served in the European War; was Lieutenant Colonel, 12th Gloucesters, 1915-17; was wounded at Ypres 9 May 1915; was mentioned in Despatches of 30 April, 1916 [London Gazette, 15 June, 1916], and 13 November 1916 [London Gazette, 3 January 1917]; appointed to command 2/4th York and Lancaster Regt, (BEF), May 1917, and invalided home, November 1917. He later commanded the 10th Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers (BEF). Colonel Archer-Shee was a Unionist Member of Parliament for Central Finsbury in 1910. He married, in 1905, Frances, only daughter of Alfred Pell, of New York, and they had four sons and two daughters.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 19th (Queen Alexandra's Own Royal) Hussars |