| Riley | Rupert Farquhar | | Lieutenant | RILEY, RUPERT FARQUHAR, Lieutenant, was born 11 October 1873. He entered the Army 9 December 1896, as Second Lieutenant, Yorkshire Light Infantry. He was present during the operations on the North-West Frontier of India, 1897 to 1898, with the Tirah Expeditionary Force (Medal with clasp). He served during the South African War, 1899-1902; was employed with the Mounted Infantry, taking part in the advance on Kimberley, including actions at Belmont, Enslin, Modder River and Magersfontein; taking part during operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including actions at Driefontein and Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River and Zand River; was present during operations in the Transvaal in May and June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg, Pretoria and Diamond Hill (11 and 12 June); during operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; during operations in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, including actions at Zilikat's Nek and Elands River (4 to 16 August). He was present during operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; received both SA Medals with seven clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Rupert Farquhar Riley, Lieutenant, Yorkshire Light Infantry. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by the King 18 December 1902. He was promoted Captain 15 April 1901, and was Brigade Major, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Infantry Brigade, Northern Command, 1 December 1910 to 4 July 1911; Brigade Major, Essex Infantry Brigade, Eastern Command, 5 July 1911 to 2 January 1912, and Staff Captain, War Office, 3 January 1912 to 17 March 1915. He served during the European War; was promoted Major 1 October 1914, and received the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 3 June 1916, and was Deputy Assistant, War Office (Temp), 18 March to 20 July 1915; Assistant Director, War Office (Temp), 21 July 1915 to 15 April 1917; was AAGM, War Office, 16 April 1917 to 11 March 1918; AA and QMG, Supreme War Council, Versailles, 12 March to 4 May 1918, and Assistant Military Secretary, War Office (Temp), 1 June 1918. He was created a CMG in 1917. Lieutenant Colonel Riley married, in 1903, Violet Louise, youngest daughter of Ernest St G Cobbold.
CMG, DSO, IGS 1895 (2) P-F 1897-98 Tirah (Lt, 2/KOYLI), QSA (5) Bel M-R Drief Joh D-H (Capt, 2/YLI), KSA (2) (Capt, DSO), BWM, Victory Medal MID, 1911 Coronation. Sothebys 1982 £1,050. KOYLI Regimental Museum, 1992.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (King's Own) Yorkshire Light Infantry |
