| May | John Cyril | | Lieutenant | MAY, JOHN CYRIL, Lieutenant, was born 1 April 1874, son of J C Frampton May of Creech St Michael, Taunton. He joined the East Surrey Regiment as Second Lieutenant, from the Militia, 29 May 1895, and became Lieutenant 21 June 1898. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902; was present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso; operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 to 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; during the operations on Tugela Heights, and action at Pieter's Hill; in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek; in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to May 1901; also in Orange River Colony, May 1901 (Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901; Sir R H Buller, 30 March and 9 November 1900; and London Gazette, 10 September 1901]; Queen's Medal with five clasps, and King's Medal with two clasps). He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "John Cyril May Lieutenant, East Surrey Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant, and Statutes were sent to the Commander-in-Chief in India, and presented by the GOC, Oudh District, at church parade, 22 February 1903. He was promoted to Captain 3 October 1903; was Adjutant, Volunteers, 11 September 1906 to 31 March 1908, and Adjutant, Territorial Force, 1 April 1908 to 30 November 1909. He was Temporary Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Berkshire Regiment (attached), 11 October 1915 to 22 May 1916. He married, in 1907, Edith Margaret, youngest daughter of Colonel S E Mamisell, RAMC, and they had one son.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | East Surrey Regiment |
