GARSTIN Denys Norman Capt

SKR/DAT/IP/20653

GARSTIN Denys Norman Capt

2000-2024

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Surname: GARSTIN;

Forename(s): Denys Norman;

Initials: DN;

Rank: Capt;

Previous Battalion: 10 of;

Previous Regiment: Hussars;

MGC Branch: Cavalry;

MGC Unit: 8 Sqn;

How killed: KIA;

Where: Russia;

When killed: 15-Aug-1918;

Awarded: DSO, MC, OStA(R ), OStV(R ), MID;

Gallantry Notes: DSO: (10 R Hussars) For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In an attack on the Seletokoe village, the capture of the village, the enemy's armoured car and machine gun was due to his very able handling of the men under his command. He always set a splendid example of cheerfulness under trying circumstances, and steadiness under fire to the troops of the force, and his intimate knowledge of the language was invaluable. His courage won the admiration of all. He was afterwards killed in a mosdt gallant attempt to force the enemy from his positions.
MC: (10 Hussars) For conspicuous gallantry when in command of an advanced guard. When the action commenced the men were much exhausted. He conducted operations with skill and resource, continually exposing himself to machine gun and rifle fire at close range. Encouraged by his cheerfulness and fearless example his small force drove back for a distance of six miles an enemy detachment 3 times its strength.;

Other Data: Roll of Honour(de Ruvigny) Vol II, Sect 3, p66: son of Norman Garstin of Wellington Terr, Penzance, artist by his wife Dochie (Louisa Fanny), d of Alfred Jones of Bedford; born Penzance 22/7/1890; Scholarof Blundells Sch, Tiverton and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, where he graduated BA in Dec 1913. Joined OTC at Cambridge and with that Corps acted as Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle for King Edward's funeral. Gazetted 2Lt 18 Hussars Oct 1914. Promoted Lt 18/5/16 and Capt. Dec 1917, Served BEF F&F from May 1915, being transf to 10 Huss (MG Sqn). Took an active part in the battle of Loos, Hill 60, Thiepval and Albert. Proceeded, in Sept 1916 to Russia where he was attached to the British Embassy Petrograd on the Anglo-Russion Commission. In Feb 1917 went to Moscow where he continued his diplomatic work under Mr Lockhart representing GB with him at the Vologda & Moscow conferences. The following July, received orders to proceed to the north and with much difficulty, disguised and walking most of the way, and many narrow escapes from being captured by the Red Army, finally reached Col Thornhills Force at Kem. Greatly distinguished himself in the Onega Expedition and on 10th Aug set out from Archangel and was KIA at Seletzkoe on 17/8/17(sic) by Bolsheviks. Buried at Archangel 21/8/17(sic) with full military honours. General Finlayson wrote…….." he twice led charges against a very strong position in the teeth of hot mg fire and just as he had captured it on the second occasion, received a rifle bullet through the neck which killed him instantly. He was to have been put in for military reward, and no man ever deserved one better…." He received the MC for displaying the greatest gallantry when fighting the Bolsheviks, who far outnumbered our forces, and the DSO for valour in the face of overpoweing forces; he had just taken one armoured car by his own effort and was shot in the neck when single-handed, attempting to bomb another. He also received the Order of Catherine(sic - Anne) of Russia (3rd Class) and was MID for gallant and distinguished service in the field.

WO339/43718: considerable correspondence between Mrs Garstin (mother) and War Office regarding the receipt of awards (DSO/MC) and the acknowledgement of the award of Russian Orders. Letters of Administration re estate of DN Garstin: Grantee - Norman Garstin (father) Gross value £497/7/8d.

DN Garstin, born 22/7/1890, educ: Blundells School and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. In OTC at Cambridge and passed examinations for Army, but did not pursue military career due to insufficient funds. Journalist. Height 5'10", weight 138lbs. Great War: granted commsn 10 Hussars. To France 18/5/1915, t/Lt 18/5/1915 To 8 MG Sqn 29/2/1916, to UK 2/9/1916 for special service in Russia.

From: The Cavalry Journal (The MG Cavalry in France - Capt T Preston):
"…..It may be permissbale here to pay a tribute to the memory of Lieut Denis N Garstin who left the 8th Sqn about this time for special service in Russia. This officer represented a newspaper in that country before the war, and was a writer of great promise. He joined the 10th Hussars as a temporary officer and was sent to Russia in September 1916 and did excellent work nat Petrograd. On the outbreak of the revolution, he could have returned home but joined the Russian Loyalist Forces, and was killed in action by the bolsheviks. One of his books "Friendly Russia" attracted much attention, whilst anotherv "Shilling Soldiers" was published after his death…….";

Other Notes: DENIS NORMAN GARSTIN DSO, MC Captain 10th (Prince of Wales's Own Royal) Hussars who died on Thursday 15 August 1918 . Age 28 .
Additional Information: Order of St. Anne 3rd Class, with Swords and Bow (Russia), Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class, with Swords and Ribbon (Russia). Son of Norman and Louisa Fanny Garstin, of 4, Wellington Terrace, Penzance, Cornwall. Cemetery: ARCHANGEL ALLIED CEMETERY Russian Federation
Grave or Reference Panel Number: K. 6.(Originally buried in Grave No 1)
DSO: LG 8/3/1919 NORTH RUSSIA (4/10/1919)
MC: LG 8/3/1919 (10 Hussars) NORTH RUSSIA
MID: LG 11/6/1920 (N Russia)
Order of St Anne(Russia) (3rd Class with swords and ribbon)(Lt DN Garstin MGC form att 10Hussars) Not gazetted but in List, dated 24/1/1919
Order of Saint Apostolic & Grand Duke Vladimir (Russia)(4th Class with swords and ribbon) Not gazetted but in Decree of the Provisory Govt of Northern Regions 24/3/1919;

END OF RECORD.

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