| Thompson | William Oliver | | Lieutenant Colonel | THOMPSON, WILLIAM OLIVER, Lieutenant Colonel, was born on 14 November 1844, in Birmingham, son of Major George Thompson, 21st Fusiliers, and Elizabeth Thompson (nee Masterman). He entered the Army 18 March 1863, as Ensign, 82nd Foot; became Lieutenant, Bengal Staff Corps, 12 October 1866, and Captain 18 March 1875; served in the Afghan War, 1878-79 (Medal); in the Mahsud-Waziri Expedition, 1881. He was promoted Major 18 March 1883; served in the Hazara Expedition, 1888 (Medal with clasp); in the 1st and 2nd Miranzai Expeditions in 1891 (Despatches; GGO 632 of 1891; clasp); became Lieutenant Colonel 18 March 1889; commanded the 3rd Sikhs, Frontier Force (now 53rd Sikhs), from 3 July 1891. The following is a report on the regiment made by Lord Roberts: "Inspected the 3rd Sikhs at Kohat last November, and was very pleased to find it in the admirable condition for which it has been noted for some years past. It is composed of a fine, serviceable body of men, who are well-drilled, smart and well set-up. A grand spirit pervades all ranks, and the regiment is fit for any services. The Assistant Adjutant-General for Musketry reports that 'this is the best battalion I have seen on the Frontier. There is a finish and smartness about the drill that is seldom seen. The men are satisfactory as shots and brilliant as regards fire discipline. The native officers and non-commissioned officers are very good all round—especially as Section Commanders. The present efficient state of the 3rd Sikhs is no doubt due to its having an exceptionally good set of British officers, and to the general wise and careful supervision exercised by the Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Thompson, to whom the greatest credit is due'. Captain Codrington is particularly noticed for zeal and energy. (Signed) Roberts, General, C-in-C, India. Dated 19 July 1892, Adjutant-General's Office, Simla". "Captain Fasken desires to congratulate, on behalf of Colonel Thompson and himself, the British and native officers and noncommissioned officers and men on the report on the regiment by His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, which has just been received, and he is sure he is expressing the opinion of Colonel Thompson that the splendid report is entirely due to the excellent spirit which pervades all ranks, and the constant endeavour of all to maintain its reputation for smartness and general efficiency. The regiment is therefore, as the Commander-in-Chief remarks, "fit for any service'". Lieutenant Colonel W O Thompson served in the Waziristan Expedition of 1894-95, in command of the 3rd Sikh Infantry, and was given the Brevet of Colonel, received clasp, mentioned in Despatches twice, GSO 268 and 473 of 1895, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 August 1895]: "In recognition of services during the recent operations in Waziristan. William Oliver Thompson, Lieutenant Colonel, Indian Staff Corps". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes of the DSO were sent to Colonel Thompson on 4 December 1895. He retired with the rank of Colonel 1 April 1901, and died 10 September 1917.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Indian Staff Corps |
