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The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1886.  It was awarded to officers for meritorious or distinguished service in war.  At the time of the Boer War it was given to officers with senior command responsibilities, typically upwards of Major, however it was bestowed upon junior officers, usually in cases of conspicuous valour.  Prior to 1943, the order could be given only to someone who had already been Mentioned in Despatches.  The reverse bears the reigning monarch's cypher: VRI for Victoria is seen on DSO issued from 1886 to 1902 and Edward VIII's cypher until 1910.  All Boer War DSOs should bear the VRI cypher.

There were approximately 1,167 awards of the DSO for the Boer War.

DSO
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Victorian cypher
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DSO reverse and obverse
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Boer War DSO to Lt Col J M Fairweather, Kaffrarian Rifles. DNW December 2017
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(1167 Records)

 Surname   Forename   Rank   Notes   Unit 
AbadieEustace Henry EgremontLieutenantABADIE, EUSTACE HENRY EGREMONT, Lieutenant, was born 24 January 1877, elder son of  Major General Henry Richard Abadie, CB, 9th Lancers, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, 1900-4, and of his first wife Kate (who died in 1883), daughter of G Sandeman.  Eustace Abadie joined the 9th Lancers 11 August 1897, becoming Lieutenant 3 May 1899.  He served with much distinction in the South African War, 1899-1902, and was present at the advance on Kimberley, including the actions at Belmont, Enslin and Magersfontein; Relief of Kimberley; took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Karee Siding, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River; was present during the operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June), again in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including actions at Reit Vlei and Belfast; in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; operations in Cape Colony and the Transvaal 30 November 1900, to 31 May 1902.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with eight clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Eustace Henry Egremont Abadie, Lieutenant, 9th Lancers.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia, Warrant, etc, were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and presented by General Sir Bindon Blood at Full Garrison Parade at Rawal Pindi 8 April, 1903.  It is said that no other officer received more than eight clasps to the Queen's Medal in the South African Campaign.  He was promoted to Captain 15 March, 1904; was a Staff College Graduate; was Adjutant of his regiment from February 1906, to August 1907, and was promoted to Major in March, 1912.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
9th (The Queen's Royal) Lancers
AbadieHarry BertrandLieutenantABADIE, HARRY BERTRAND, Lieutenant, was born 20 June, 1872; he joined the 11th Hussars 5 October 1892; became Lieutenant 20 September 1894; was on Special Service, South Africa, 9 October 1899.  For his services in the South African War he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Harry Bertrand Abadie, Lieutenant, 11th Hussars.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  Lieutenant Abadie died before he had been presented with the Insignia of the Order, so they were sent to his father,  Major General H R Abadie, CB, 9th Lancers.  One of General Abadie's sons, Major E H A Abadie, DSO, was killed in action at Messines in October 1914, and another, Captain G H F Abadie, CMG, died of fever at Kam, West Africa, in February 1904.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars
AbbottFrederick WilliamMajorABBOTT, FREDERICK WILLIAM, Major, was born in Devonshire in 1865.  He joined the New Zealand Volunteers, as Lieutenant, in 1898, and was promoted Captain in the same year; Major in 1901, and Lieutenant Colonel in 1902.  He served in South Africa, 1900-2, with the 5th, 7th and 9th New Zealand Contingents, taking part in operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, August to 29 November 1900; operations in the Transvaal, 30 November 1900 to July 1901; August to December 1901, and April to 31 May 1902; operations in the Orange River Colony, July to August 1901, and December 1901 to April, 1902; operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal, September and October 1901.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 29 July 1902]; 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, 31 October 1902]: "Frederick William Abbott, Major, New Zealand Forces.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  He received the New Zealand Veterans' Medal.  Lieutenant Colonel Abbott married Annie E, daughter of Patrick Grant Ritchie, of Wellington, New Zealand.  He died about 1917.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
New Zealand contingent
AgnewQuintin Graham KinnairdMajorAGNEW, QUINTIN GRAHAM KINNAIRD, Major, was born in London 8 January 1861, son of  Sir Andrew Agnew, 8th Baronet, of Lochnaw, and of the Lady Louisa (who died in 1892), daughter of the 1st Earl of Gainsborough.  He was appointed to the Royal Ayr and Wigtownshire Militia, 1872, and granted a commission in the Royal Scots Fusiliers 28 April, 1886, for services on the Indian Frontier and in Upper Burma.  He served 1 May to 25 July 1886, as ADC to the GOC, Upper Burma.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 22 June, 1886, and 2 September 1887] (Medal with clasp); operations on the North-West Frontier of India; ADC and Persian Interpreter to General Sir George White, Commander-in-Chief in India, 1893-95; Tirah Expeditionary Force, as Orderly Officer to Sir William Lockhart; capture of Sampagha Pass; ADC to General Sir George White, Commander-in-Chief in India, 1898-99 (Medal with two clasps).  He served in the South African War, 1899-1902; operations in Natal; Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900; operations of 6 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 Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including action at Frederickstad 17 to 28 October 1900; operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River, including action at Ruidam; was afterwards on Staff; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to December 1901; operations in Cape Colony, December 1901 to 31 May 1902; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June, 1902]: "Quintin Graham Kinnaird Agnew, Major, Manchester Regiment.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC, Gibraltar, 3 January 1903, and the Insignia were presented at Gibraltar by Sir G White 8 January 1903.  Captain Agnew was promoted to Major 23 October 1901; was Military Secretary to Sir G White, Governor of Gibraltar, 1903-5; was created a CVO in 1903, and retired 28 April, 1906, when he became a Member of His Majesty's Body Guard (Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms).  He commanded the 3rd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers from 1910.  Lieutenant Colonel Q G K Agnew was on Special Service with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force from June, 1915, to March, 1916, during which time he commanded the 1st King's Own Scottish Borderers; the 1st Inniskilling Fusiliers, the 87th Brigade, the 29th Brigade, and was Commandant of Mudros.  He married (1st) in 1899, Evelyn Mary (who died in 1913), daughter of  Captain H J A Alexander, and they had three sons.  In 1916, he married (secondly) Cicely Anne Churchill, daughter of James Inskip, of Clifton Park House, Bristol.  Lieutenant Colonel Agnew was a JP and DL for Wigtownshire.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Manchester Regiment
AinsworthWilliam JohnLieutenantAINSWORTH, WILLIAM JOHN, Lieutenant, was born in Jhansi, India, 11 August 1873, the eldest son of  Captain Ainsworth, late 106th Light Infantry, of Spotland, Rochdale, Lancashire, and Trentham House, Twickenham Park, London.  He was educated at St Paul's School; entered the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, in 1892; joined the Durham Light Infantry, as Second Lieutenant, 19 July 1893; became Lieutenant 23 July 1896.  He served in the South African War, 1899-1900, and took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River.  Operations in the Transvaal, in May and June, 1903, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June).  Operations in Orange River Colony, June to August 1900.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "William John Ainsworth, Lieutenant, Durham Light Infantry.  In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa".  The decoration was especially awarded for conspicuous gallantry in the affair at Sanna's Post 31 March, 1901.  Lieutenant Ainsworth was Adjutant, Durham Light Infantry, 15 March, 1901, to 31 January 1905; was promoted to Captain 2 July 1901; was attached General Staff, War Office, 1 February 1905, to 30 November 1906; was Garrison Adjutant, Eastern Command, 1 June 1907 to 31 May 1909; Staff Captain, No 5 District, Northern Command, 6 June, 1911 to 4 August 1914.  He was promoted to Major 21 July 1914.  Major Ainsworth served during the European War; as DAAG, Northern Command, 5 August 1914 to 21 February 1915; DAAG, Bass, Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, 22 February to 30 November 1915; AAG, Force in Egypt, 1 December 1915 to 21 March, 1916; AAG, General Headquarters, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, from 1 April 1916.  He was mentioned in Despatches; given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 3 June, 1917, and created a CBE in 1919.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Durham Light Infantry
AldridgeJohn BarttelotLieutenant ColonelALDRIDGE, JOHN BARTTELOT, Captain, was born 8 February 1871, youngest son of Colonel Aldridge, of St Leonard's Forest, Horsham.  He entered the Royal Artillery in July 1889; was promoted Captain in July 1899, and from 22 February 1900 to 3 January 1902, served as ADC to the Brigadier General of the Cavalry Brigade in South Africa.  He was present at the Relief of Kimberley and the operations at Paardeberg, actions at Poplar Grove, and Driefontein, Houtnek and the Zand River in the Orange Free State, and in the Transvaal he took a share in the operations near Johannesburg, Pretoria, Diamond Hill, as well as several other engagements.  He was twice mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 4 May 1900, and 10 September 1901], and for his services he received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, and in November 1900, was appointed to the Distinguished Service Order.  His DSO was gazetted 27 September 1901: "John Barttelot Aldridge, Captain, Royal Artillery.  In recognition of services in the recent operations in South Africa".   In 1899 he married Margaret Jessie, daughter of  J Goddard, of the Manor House, Newton Harcourt.  Major Aldridge was serving in 1909 with the Rocket Troop, Royal Artillery, in India.  He died at Bangalore 19 January 1909.  
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
10th (The Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars
AlexanderHarveyCaptainALEXANDER, HARVEY, Lieutenant Colonel, was born 3 June, 1859, son of Caledon Dufre Alexander, of 30 Belgrave Square, London.  He joined the 10th Hussars, as Second Lieutenant, 24 January 1880; became Lieutenant 1 July 1881; Captain 16 March, 1889; was Adjutant, Yeomanry Cavalry, 1 February 1890 to 31 January 1895.  He was promoted to Major 2 January 1897.  He served throughout the South African War of 1899-1902.  He was twice wounded; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April, 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps; King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Harvey Alexander, Lieutenant Colonel, 10th Hussars.  In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa".  He had been promoted Lieutenant Colonel 3 August 1900.  On 17 September 1904, he was given the Brevet of Colonel, and on 3 November 1906, he retired from the Staff.  Colonel Alexander married, in 1890, Mildred, youngest daughter of  C G Prideaux-Brune, of Prideaux Place, Padstow.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Artillery
AllcardHerbertLieutenantALLCARD, HERBERT, Lieutenant, was born 9 April, 1876, son of E J Allcard, of Holmsdale, Teddington.  He became a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery 21 March, 1896; Lieutenant 1 March, 1899, and Captain 22 December 1901.  He saw active service in the South African War from 1899 to 1902, being present in operations in Orange Free State, February to May 1900; operations in Transvaal, east of Pretoria, October 1900; operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including actions at Biddulphsberg, Wittebergen (1 to 29 July) and Caledon River (27 to 29 November); operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River, 1899 to 1900; operations in Orange River Colony 30 November 1900 to February 1901, and March, 1901 to March, 1902; operations in Cape Colony, December 1900 and February 1901 to 31 May 1902.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]:"Herbert Allcard, Lieutenant, Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  He was invested by the King 18 December 1902.  He was promoted Major 29 July 1912.  He was Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Artillery, 23 January to 20 September 1916, when promoted to substantive rank.  Lieutenant Colonel Allcard married, in 1905, Althea Beryl Molyiieux, only daughter of  H Molyneux Carter, of Poulton Manor, near Bristol.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Horse Artillery
AllenWilliam LynnCaptainALLEN, WILLIAM LYNN, Captain, was born 8 May 1871, at West Lynn, Altringham, Cheshire, son of  Rulkeley Allen, JP, of West Lynn, Altrincham (son of John Alien, JP, of Oldfield Hall, Altrincham), and Mary Emma Lynn, daughter of Dr Edward Lynn.  He was educated at Rugby; was gazetted to the 3rd (Militia) Battalion The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in 1891, and to the Border Regiment 9 September 1893.  He was promoted Lieutenant 29 July 1896; Captain 23 July 1902, and Major in October 1913.  Throughout the whole of the South African War he served in the 1st Battalion, being Regimental Transport Officer in the earlier stages, and Adjutant in the latter part of the war; he continued to hold this position afterwards until 1904.  He was present at the operations in Natal, 1899; at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the action at Colenso, and actions of Spion Kop and Vaal Kranz; operations on the Tugela Heights; action at Pieter's Hill; operations in the Orange Free State; in the Transvaal, east and west of Pretoria; in the Orange River Colony, and in Cape Colony, north and south of Orange River.  For his services in this campaign he was twice mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 31 October 1902]: "William Lynn Allen, Captain, The Border Regiment.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  From September 1905, to September 1909, he was Adjutant of the Discharge Depot, and he received his Majority in October 1913, in the 2nd Battalion, in which he had commanded a company.  Early in October 1914, he went to the front with the 7th Division, which defended the town of Ypres from 19 October to 6 November.  On the evening of 28 October he was holding a point between the villages of Krusik and America, about 4| miles from Ypres.  For the previous seven days, Major Lynn Allen had been occupying with his men a salient point at the extreme left of his regiment, and his company were badly in need of reinforcements.  On that particular night about 100 of the enemy made their way over trenches occupied by a neighbouring battalion, and appeared in the vicinity of a farmhouse in the rear of the Borders.  After an interchange of firing, a considerable number were killed, and immediately afterwards the remainder signified their wish to surrender, asking for an English officer.  In response Major Lynn Alien left his trench with two men, and had hardly advanced a step or more before the enemy treacherously opened fire, and he fell back mortally wounded.  His CO in South Africa, Lieutenant Colonel Ovens, now Brigadier General, states: "No officer of the battalion was more gallant and devoted, and it is doubtful if any other gave such valuable services as he did as Transport Officer and Adjutant".  Major Bosanquet, the senior surviving officer of his battalion at Ypres, wrote of him as being "an exceptionally capable officer, and a very great loss to the regiment".  On 8 June, 1898, at St Peter's Church, Woking, Surrey, Major Alien married Adeline Miriam, second daughter of Isaac Garbutt Dickinson, and they had three children: Bulkeley Garbutt Lynn, born 20 July 1899: Esmond Harcourt Lynn, born 22 August 1903, and Sylvia Pomona Lynn, born 15 October 1907.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Border Regiment
AmosHerbert Gilbert MaclachlanCaptainAMOS, HERBERT GILBERT MACLACHLAN, Captain, was born in London 28 April, 1866, son of the Reverend James Amos, of St Ibbs, Hitchin, Herts.  He entered the West India Regiment 15 October 1890; became Lieutenant, West India Regiment, 29 April 1892: Lieutenant, King's Own Scottish Borderers, 7 June 1893; Adjutant, KOSB, 25 July 1898, and Captain, KOSB, 24 January 1900.  He served in South Africa 1900-1-2; operations in Orange Free State, February to May 1900; Paardeberg 16 to 26 February; actions at Poplar Grove and Karee Siding, 29 March; actions at Yet River 5 and 6 May; Zand River 10 May; operations in Transvaal, May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria; operations in Transvaal, east of Pretoria and west of Pretoria.  He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Herbert Gilbert Maclachlan Amos, Captain, King's Own Scottish Borderers.  In recognition of services during operations in South Africa".  He was invested by the King 18 December 1901, and was twice mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902].  He retired, and became Honourable Major in the 3rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment (Special Reserve).  Major Amos married, in 1893, Kate Isabella, daughter of General W A Stratton, and they had one son and one daughter. 
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
King's Own Scottish Borderers
AmphlettCharles GroveCaptainAMPHLETT, CHARLES GROVE, Captain, was born 8 March, 1862.  He entered the Army 12 November 1884; was promoted Captain in 1893.  He served in the South African War, 1899-1900, commanding the 1st Mounted Infantry Regiment.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Charles Grove Amphlett, Captain, North Staffordshire Regiment.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia were presented by the King 17 December 1901.  He was promoted Major 14 March, 1901; was placed on the Reserve of Officers, North Staffordshire Regiment; and was a Justice of the Peace for Salop and Staffordshire.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
(Prince of Wales's) North Staffordshire Regiment
AndersonErnest ChesterCaptainANDERSON, ERNEST CHESTER, Captain, was born 26 November 1863.  He became Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps, 30 January 1895.  He married 1899, Aimee, daughter of  Captain Harris.  Captain Anderson served in the South African War in 1901, being present at the Relief of Kimberley; during operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg 17 to 26 February, taking part in the actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901], and received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "Ernest Chester Anderson, Captain, Royal Army Medical Corps.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  He became Major 30 January 1904, and died on 22 December 1913, at Golden Hill, Isle of Wight.
DSO, QSA (4) Rofk Paar Drief Trans (Capt DSO, RAMC), KSA (2) (Capt DSO RAMC).  Collett 1993 £475, Dixon 2005 £2400.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Royal Army Medical Corps
AndersonJohnLieutenant and QMANDERSON, JOHN, Lieutenant, was born in Morayshire, 17 October 1852, son of John and Annie Andlerson, of Forres, Scotland.  He was educated at Public School, Rafford, Forres.  He served in the Royal Scots Greys for 13½ years: exchanged to Army Service Corps 29 August 1896, as Quartermaster, and served with it for 20 years.  He served in the Matabele Rebellion, 1896, as Assistant Supply Officer (Medal); was Assistant Controller, BSA Company, 1896-1900.  He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, employed as Supply Officer, Rhodesian Regiment October 1899 to May 1900; with the Rhodesian Field Force, May to October 1900, and with the South African Constabulary, October 1900 to May 1902; was present in operations in the Transvaal, 1900-2.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901], received the Queen's Medal and four clasps; the King's Medal and two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June, 1902]: "John Anderson, Honorary Lieutenant and Quartermaster, Army Service Corps.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The DSO was presented by General Lyttelton 25 March 1903.  He was DAAG, General Carrington's Rhodesian Field Force, May to October 1900; joined the South African Constabulary 23 October 1900, as Controller, with rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  Lieutenant Colonel Anderson retired from the Army in 1905, and in 1906 from his appointment as Controller, South African Constabulary.  Lieutenant Colonel Anderson married, 19 August 1878, at Dundalk, Philippa Charlotte Taylor, daughter of Henry Taylor, of Portsmouth. Their children were: John, born in 1882; William, born in 1885 (Lieutenant, 6th South African Infantry; killed in action 10 August 1916, in German East Africa); Hannah and Violet.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Army Service Corps
AndersonNelson GrahamLieutenantANDERSON, NELSON GRAHAM, Lieutenant, was born 14 September 1875, youngest son of Major General R P Anderson.  He entered the Army, from the Militia, as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Sussex Regiment 6 June, 1896.  He was transferred to the Army Service Corps 2 January 1899; became Lieutenant 20 September 1900, and Captain 1 January 1901.  He served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902, and was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February); operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; operations in Cape Colony, north of Orange River; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to March 1902; operations in Cape Colony, March to 31 May 1902; operations in Orange River Colony, March, 1902.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Nelson Graham Anderson, Lieutenant, Army Service Corps.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia were sent to the GOC-in-Chief in South Africa 2 March, 1902; invested by the King 18 December 1902.  He again saw active service on the North-West Frontier of India in the Zakka Khel Expedition, 1908 (Medal and clasp), and was specially employed in Somaliland 16 December 1908 to 13 January 1910; as Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport, receiving mention in Despatches [London Gazette, 17 June, 1910], and the Medal and clasp for the campaign in Somaliland, 1908 to 1910.  He was promoted Major 23 October 1912, and was employed from 10 January 1913, until the outbreak of the European War, as DAQMG, 5th Division, Irish Command.  In the Great War he served as DAA and QMG, 5th Division, BEF, 5 to 26 August 1914; AA and QMG, 5th Division, 27 August 1914, to 13 July 1915; was promoted Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel 18 February 1915; AQMG, 7th Army Corps, 14 July 1915, to 4 August 1916; DA and QMG, 1st Army Corps (Temporary Brigadier General) 5 August 1916 to 28 February 1919.  He became Brevet Lieutenant Colonel 18 February 1915; Lieutenant Colonel 16 April, 1917; Brevet Colonel 1 January 1917.  He was mentioned in Despatches six times; created a CMG in 1916 and a CB in 1918.  Brigadier General Anderson married, in 1914, Fanny, youngest daughter of  William Scott, of Hampden House, Ibrox, and widow of H Herbert Harley.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Army Service Corps
AndersonRowland James PercyMajorANDERSON, ROWLAND JAMES PERCY, Major, was born in London 12 July 1873, son of  Sir Percy Anderson, KCB, KCMG, Foreign Office, and Fanny Isabella Cuthbert, of Beaufront Castle, Northumberland.  He was educated at Winchester; joined the 11th Hussars, as Second Lieutenant, 13 March, 1893; became Lieutenant, 13 September 1895; served on the North-West Frontier, 1897-98 (Medal with clasp); in Uganda, 1898 (Medal with clasp).  He served in the South African War, 1900-2, as Special Service Officer, with the Rhodesian Field Force, and afterwards on the Staff.  He took part in the operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900, including the action at Rhenoster Kop.  Operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900.  Operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Cape Colony.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 16 April and 7 May 1901]; 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, 19 April, 1901]: "Rowland James Percy Anderson, Major, 11th Hussars.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  He was promoted Captain 22 November 1902, and Major 13 June, 1908.  He was Adjutant, Imperial Yeomanry, 27 November 1903 to 26 November 1906; Instructor, Cavalry School, 22 February 1909 to 3 April, 1910.  He has served in the European War; went out with the Expeditionary Force; was present at Mons, the Marne, and the Aisne; wounded at Messines 31 October 1914; was present at the first and second battles of Ypres; commanded the 11th Hussars from May 1915; was promoted Lieutenant Colonel 29 September 1916.  He was mentioned in Despatches twice, and created a CMG, January 1918.  His favourite sports were hunting, polo and racing.  He married, at Aldershot, 11 August 1914, Phyllis, only daughter of T Stanley Chappell, of Chadshunt, Warwick.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars
AndersonWilliam CampbellMajorANDERSON, WILLIAM CAMPBELL, Major, was born 14 December 1868.  He was educated at Harrow, and was gazetted to the 15th Hussars 29 March, 1890; became Captain 13 June, 1896.  He served in West Africa, 1897-98, in the Northern Territories, Gold Coast; received the Medal with clasp.  Captain Anderson retired 30 December 1899.  He served in South Africa, 1900-2, as Commandant of an Imperial Yeomanry Battalion; was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 7 May and 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's and the King's Medals with five clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: “William Campbell Anderson, Major, 5th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa”.  The Insignia were presented to him by the King 29 October 1901.  He was given the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel 9 October 1902, and was Honorary Colonel, 3rd Battalion Scottish Rifles.  Colonel Anderson was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.  He married, in 1894, Elizabeth, daughter of  Edward Barnes.  Sir A Conan Doyle, in 'The Great Boer War' (pages 533-535), describes the gallant fight against overwhelming odds put up by Colonel Anderson when attacked by Delarey on 25 February 1902.  Von Donop had sent in an empty convoy from Wolmannstad to Klerksdorp, and the journey was nearly over and the detachment of Paget's Horse had ridden on into the town, when Delarey made his appearance.  “The escort of the convoy consisted of the 5th Imperial Yeomanry, sixty of Paget's Horse, three companies of the ubiquitous Northumberland Fusiliers, two guns of the 4th RFA, and a pom-pom, amounting in all to 630 men.  Colonel Anderson was in command”.  Nothing could have averted disaster, and it was well that some of the escort had ridden on, and were not there to share it.  When the first turmoil of the attack was over, the wagons had been re-marshalled and rearranged.  “It was Colonel Andersen's hope that he might be able to send them on into safety while he with the escort covered their retreat.  His plan was certainly the best one, and if it did not succeed it was due to nothing which he could avert, but to the nature of the ground and the gallantry of the enemy.  ...  A small force sallied out from Klerksdorp in the hope of helping Anderson, but on reaching the Jagd Drift it was found that the fighting was over and that the field was in possession of the Boers”. 
DSO, E&W Africa (1) 1897-8 (Capt & A/Ins 15 Huss), QSA (3) CC OFS Trans (Lt Col DSO IY), KSA (2), 1914-15 Star (Lt Col Glos), BWM, Victory Medal, 1911 Coronation.  Christies 1988 est £550-600.  Dixon 1989 £950. Neate 1994 £1595. Glendinings 1995 (no sale).
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
5th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry
AngelThomas LombardCaptainANGEL, THOMAS LOMBARD, Captain, was born 10 January 1867, son of John Angel, of Torquay, Devon.  He was educated at St Luke's, Torquay, and became a Mechanical Engineer.  He served with the Kimberley Regiment in Bechuanaland (Medal and clasp).  He again saw active service in the South African War, 1900-01, as Captain, Kimberley Cycle Corps, during the siege of that place.  He was mentioned in Despatches, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April 1901]: "Thomas Lombard Angel, Captain, Kimberley Town Guard.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa, and presented there.  He served in the European War, 1914-15, as Captain in the Imperial Army, and was later invalided home, and became Assistant to the Colonel in Charge of Records, No 6 District, Lichfield, and No 10 District, Hounslow.  Captain Angel married (1st), Mabel, daughter of Charles Abbey, Sculptor, of Richmond, Surrey; and (secondly), Agnes Dunlop, daughter of J Carbery.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Kimberley TG
AnleyBarnett Dyer Lempriere GrayCaptainANLEY, BARNETT DYER LEMPRIERE GRAY, Captain, was born at Dalhousie, India, 22 August 1873, eldest son of Colonel and Mrs B N Anley.  Ho entered the Army 10 October 1894; became Lieutenant 14 October 1897, and Captain 18 October 1900; served in South Africa, 1899-1900, as Adjutant, 6th Battalion Mounted Infantry, De Lisle's Corps; was present at, the Relief of Kimberley; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Karee Siding, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and G May) and Zand River; operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); in the operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria; operations in Orange River Colony, including action at Witterbergen (1 to 29 July); operations in Cape Colony, south of Orange River 1899-1900, including actions at Colesberg (1 to 29 January).  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 10 September 1901], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Barnett Dyer Lempriere Gray Anley, Captain, Essex Regiment.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia were presented by the King 29 October 1901.  He passed the Staff College in 1908; GSO, 3rd Grade, Harwich Defences, 1909-12; GSO, 2nd Grade, War Office, 1912 to April, 1914; APM 5th Division, August 1914 to 7 January 1915; DAQMG, 3rd Division, 8 January to 30 January 1915; commanded the 1st Manchester Regiment 31 January to 31 March, 1915, including action of Neuve Chapelle 10-12 March, 1915; was present at all actions with the 5th Division, from Mons to action near La Bassee, October 1915; was GSO, 1st Grade, Ripon Training Centre, June, 1915 to 14 January 1916; GSO, 1st Grade, 41st Division, 14 January 1916 to 3 May 1917; was GSO1, Headquarters, Home Forces, 4 May 1917 to 14 August 1918; commanded the 183rd Infantry Brigade, British Armies in France, 21 September 1918 to 10 March, 1919; was GSO1, Staff College, from 11 March 1919.  He was five times mentioned in Despatches in the Great War, and was  given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 June, 1916, and Brevet of Colonel 3 June, 1918; became Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur, May 1917; was created a CMG 4 June 1917, and had the 1914 Star.  He married, in 1902, Gwendolyn, eldest daughter of Major Leigh Gwatkin, JP, and they had one daughter. 
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Essex Regiment
AnnesleyJames Howard AdolphusCaptainANNESLEY, JAMES HOWARD ADOLPHUS, Captain, was born 3 March, 1868, son of Captain F G Annesley, 28th Regiment, and cousin of the 5th Earl Annesley.  He was educated at Eastman's Royal Naval Academy; joined the 18th Hussars, and served five years and thirty days in the ranks; became Second Lieutenant 15 February 1893, and was promoted to Lieutenant 6 April, 1898; served as ADC to GOC, Tirah Field Force, throughout the Expedition, 1897-98, being present at the actions of Chagra Kotal and Dargai; capture of the Arhanga and Sampagha Passes; reconnaissance of the Saran Sar and action of 9 November 1897; operations at and around Dwatoi and action of 24 November 1897; operations against the Khani Khel Chamkanis; operations in the Bara Valley 7 to 14 December 1897; operations in the Bazar Valley 25 to 30 December 1897 (Despatches [London Gazette, 5 April, 1898]; Medal with two clasps).  He was ADC to the Lieutenant Governor, Punjab, 5 March 1897 to 3 October 1899; became Captain 4 July 1900.  He served in the South African War as Adjutant, Bethune's Mounted Infantry, 20 November 1899 to November 1900, and was afterwards employed with the Imperial Yeomanry.  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; operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek; operations in Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; operations in the Transvaal, May and July 1901; operations in Orange River Colony, February 1901, to 31 May 1902; operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal in September and October 1901; operations in Cape Colony, February 1901.  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 19 April, 1901]: "James Howard Adolphus Annesley, Captain, 3rd Dragoon Guards.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia were presented by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York 14 August 1901.  He served as Captain, Imperial Yeomanry, from 27 July 1901 to 13 March, 1902.  Captain Annesley was promoted Major into the 6th Dragoon Guards 11 October 1905, being at that time Staff Captain, Pretoria Sub-District, South Africa, 16 May 1904 to 10 February 1906.  Major Annesley was Brigade Major, India, 13 August 1906 to 16 February 1909; DAAG, India, 17 February to 3 September 1909, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, 6th Dragoon Guards, 1 May 1913.  He served in the European War as Camp Commandant (graded as AAG) from 29 November 1914; special appointment 17 February to 13 June, 1915; AA and QMG from 14 June, 1915.  For his services in this war he was created a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.  He was wounded.  Lieutenant Colonel J H A Annesley married Helene Marie, daughter of  C E Johnston.  He died 22 April 1919.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
3rd (The Prince of Wales's) Dragoon Guards
Anstruther-ThomsonCharles Frederick St ClairMajorANSTRUTHER-THOMSON, CHARLES FREDERICK ST CLAIR, Major, was born 6 May 1855, eldest surviving son of John Anstruther-Thomson, of Charleton, Fife.  He entered the Army as Sub-Lieutenant, unattached, 13 June, 1874; was gazetted to the 2nd Dragoons 13 June, 1874; to the 17th Lancers 28 August 1875, becoming Lieutenant, 2nd Life Guards, September 1876; Captain 12 January 1885, and Major 12 January 1895.  He served in the South African War, 1899-1900, taking part in the Relief of Kimberley; operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg (17 to 26 February); actions at Poplar Grove and Driefontein.  Operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June).  He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Charles Frederick St Clair Anstruther-Thomson, Major, 2nd Life Guards.  In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa".  The Insignia were presented by the King 17 December 1901.  He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel 12 January 1903; commanded the 2nd Life Guards; was given the Brevet of Colonel 13 July 1905, and retired with the rank of Colonel 12 January 1907.  Colonel Anstruther-Thomson married, in 1882, Agnes, third daughter of James A Guthrie, of Craigie, and they had one daughter.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
Life Guards
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