| Thorneycroft | Alexander Whitclaw | | Major | Was born at Tettenhall, Jan 19, 1859. He is son of Lieutenant Colonel I Thorneycroft, of Tettenhall Towers, Wolverhampton, and Hadley Park, Salop, was educated at Wellington College, and joined the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, Feb 22, 1879, becoming Captain in 1887, Major in 1899, Lieutenant Colonel in 1900, and full Colonel in 1902. He acted as DAAG in Natal from Sep 16, 1899, to Oct 16, 1899, when he was selected for special service until the end of 1901. Colonel Thorncycroft has seen much active service in SA, beginning with the operations in 1879-81, including the Zulu Campaign, attack and capture of Sekukuni's kraal (medal with clasp), and the first Transvaal Campaign and siege of Pretoria. In the Boer War of 1899-1902 he raised and commanded that smart body of men known a Thorncycroft's Mounted Infantry, who rendered such a good account of themselves. He tool part in the relief of Ladysmith, the actions a Colcnso, Spion Kop, Vaal Kranz, Tugela Heights, Pieter's Hill, and Laing's Nek. In the latter half of 1900 he operated in the Eastern Transvaal, and subsequently commanded mobile column and group of columns in the Transvaal, ORC and Cape Colony (despatches, medals, and clasps, and CB). Colonel Thorneycroft He received his present appointment as AAG, 7th Div. of the 3rd Army Corps, November 12, 1902. He is fond of shooting and racquets, and married, on June 20, 1903, Mrs Burrard Crozier, daughter of Major J W Percy, and cousin of Sir Maurice FitzGerald, Bart., Knight of Kerry.
Source: List of CB recipients. Various sources | Royal Scots Fusiliers |
