Crane | Charles Paston | | Captain | CRANE, CHARLES PASTON, Captain, was born 12 August 1857, son of the Reverend Canon Crane. He was educated at home, and at Exeter College, Oxford (BA; Honours in Modern History, 1878; MA, 1901). He joined the Royal Irish Constabulary as a Cadet in 1879, and served through the Land Agitation in Kerry, 1880-89; on special duty in Donegal and the South Eastern Province in 1889 and 1894; was Private Secretary to the Inspector-General, 1895 to 1897; Resident Magistrate in Donegal, 1897 to 1900; seconded in 1900 to serve as Captain and Adjutant of 12th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry, in the South African Campaign, to May 1901; subsequently Adjutant, 12th Battalion, to June, 1901; as Adjutant, Mounted Troops, Potchefstroom Column, 26 August 1900, to 30 January 1901 (Imperial Yeomanry). Operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, March to May 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May to August 1900, including actions at Rhenoster River and Wittebergen (1 to 29 July); operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, August to 29 November 1900; operations in the Transvaal, 30 November 1900 to March, 1901; operations in Orange River Colony, March to April, 1901. He was mentioned in Despatches, received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Charles Paston Crane, Captain, 12th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901. In September 1914, he was seconded for service with the Army; as Major, 11th (Service) Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, September 1914 to March, 1915; commanded the 2/4th (Hallamshire) Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment, June 1915 to July 1916; and the 43rd Provisional Battalion July 1916 to October 1916 (Despatches). Lieutenant Colonel C P Crane wrote 'Kerry' in the Little Guide Series. He married, in 1908, Mary Alice, Caroline second daughter of Colonel and Lady Mary Skrine, of Warleigh Manor, Somerset. He was awarded the OBE in 1918.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 12th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry |