The Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Major B Johnstone
Major Bede JOHNSTONE, Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment.
Hart’s Annual Army List 1908 –
Captain Johnstone served in the South African war with the 2nd Battalion, Gloucester Regiment and took part in the relief of Kimberley; the operations in the Orange Free State, 14th April to May 1900, including the actions at Peerdeberg and Driefontein; in Orange River Colony, May to 29th November 1900; and in Cape Colony south of Orange River, 1800.
AWARDS: DSO
London Gazette 1st January 1916.
The following despatch has been received by the Secretary of State for War from the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the British Army in France:
SIR, General Headquarters, 30th November, 1915.
In accordance with the last paragraph of my Despatch of the 15th October, 1915, I have the honour to bring to notice the names of those whom I recommend for gallant and distinguished service in the field.
I have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, J. D. P. FRENCH,
Field-Marshal, Commanding-in-Chief, The British Army in France.
Royal West Kent Regiment - Johnstone, Captain B., Adjutant, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, Territorial Force.
London Gazette 19th July 1916.
War Office, 19th July 1916. REGULAR FORCES. COMMANDS AND STAFF.
The under mentioned appointments are made: Captain B. Johnstone to be Major 8th May 1916.
London Gazette 23rd October 1916.
ATTACHED TO HD.-QR. UNITS. Brigade Majors: 7th Oct. 1916.
Major B. Johnstone, Royal West Kent Regiment, vice Major N. W. Gardner, Royal Fusiliers.
London Gazette 13th October 1917.
Royal West Kent Regiment - Major B. Johnstone to be acting Lieutenant - Colonel whilst commanding a Battalion - 9th September 1917.
London Gazette 17th December 1917.
His Majesty the KING has been pleased to confer the under mentioned rewards for gallantry and distinguished service in the Field. The acts of gallantry for which the decorations have been .awarded will be announced in the London Gazette as early as practicable:
Awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
Major (Acting Lieutenant - Colonel) Bede Johnstone, Royal West Kent Regiment.
London Gazette 23rd April 1918.
With reference to the awards conferred as announced in the London Gazette dated 17th December 1917, the following are the statements of service for which the decorations were conferred.
AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER
Major (Acting Lieutenant - Colonel) Bede Johnstone, Royal West Kent Regiment.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When the attack was held up he immediately grasped the situation and rallied all the men he could from scattered parties of different regiments and sent them forward with his adjutant to form a defensive line. Regardless of danger he continued to reorganise scattered parties of men and to lead them up to the line. By his gallantry and personal example he saved a very dangerous situation.
London Gazette 24th May 1918.
The following is a continuation of Sir D Haig's Despatch of the 7th of April, submitting names deserving of special mention:
Royal West Kent Regiment - Johnstone, Major (Acting Lieutenant - Colonel), B., DSO.
London Gazette 28th December 1918.
War Office, 28th December 1918. - The following is a continuation of Sir D Haig's Despatch of the 8th November, submitting names deserving of special mention:
Royal West Kent Regiment - Johnstone, Major (Acting Lieutenant Colonel), B., DSO., 1st Battalion.
London Gazette 1st January 1919.
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the under mentioned rewards for distinguished service in connection with Military Operations in France and Flanders. Dated 1st January 1919.
TO BE BREVET LIEUTENANT COLONEL
(On retired List, Reserve of Officers, Special Reserve, New Army or Territorial Force, in the case of Officers belonging to these categories as applicable.)
Major (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) B Johnstone, D.S.O., 1st Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment
This page was last updated on 31-May-2019.
Copyright © 2008 Janet & Richard Mason