Colonel Sir Lancelot Rolleston, K.C.B., D.S.O.


 Inspired by recently shown interest the history of Watnall Hall and the history of the Rolleston family, a little more on the military career of Lancelot Rolleston.

After his education at Oxford, he joined the South Notts Yeomanry Cavalry in 1868, presumably with a purchased commission. Famous for his actions in the Boer-War, in 1900 he led the 12th Company of the 3rd Battalion of Imperial Yeomanry. Against a Boer force in an attempt to rescue 500 British Army prisoners in transit. During the attack on horseback, Lancelot was shot in the arm, the bullet breaking his arm and passing through the side of his body. Taken to a field hospital, his wife Maud who was also in South Africa at the time working to establish a convalescent home for wounded soldiers, rushed to the battlefront to take care of Lancelot till he was invalided home with his wounds.
After recovery, Lancelot returned to duty and resumed command of the regiment till his retirement in 1912. Famous for being the most highly decorated Yeomanry Officer who served in the Boer War, his awards include - the Knights Commander Order of the Bath,(1911) the Queen's Medal with three clasps,, the Distinguished Service order (1902), and several other service / campaign medals.
Along with his long and successful career with the Notts County Council, he was also very active in the Boy Scouts. He was County Commissioner for the Boy Scouts for 31 years only retiring from this role in 1940. On his retirement the Duke of Portland said "I believe he is the oldest Scout in the world, and the best. A most loyal heart-and-soul supporter of the movement"
A man of great energy and devotion to all of his rolls and undertakings.
Images - 1, Portrait of Colonel Rolleston wearing his khaki field tunic which hangs in the Royal Lancers & Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum at Thoresby Hall.
2, Colonel Rolleston in his parade tunic wearing his many decorations.
3, Inscription on a cased presentation barometer given by Lancelot while still a Captain in 1881.




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