Lieut.-Colonel Henry Wrixon BECHER, D.S.O.
Commanded the 17th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment from June 1918 to April 1919.
Henry Wrixon Becher was born on the 27th August 1866 in Ballygiblin, County Cork, Ireland, son of Sir John Richard Hedges Wrixon Becher and Lady Emily Catherin Hare. He was educated at Harrow. Henry Wrixon Becher was commissioned in to the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Munster Fusiliers, on the 7th July, 1884 with the rank of Lieutenant. He transferred to the The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment), on the 8th December 1886 and maintained the rank of Lieutenant. He was appointed Adjutant on the 1st July 1893. Promoted to rank of Captain on the 11th September 1895. He served in the South African war in 1899-1902 with the 1st Battalion West Riding Regiment, taking part in the operations in the Orange Free State, and subsequent operations in the Transvaal, east and west of Pretoria (between 16th August and 29th November), including the action at Rhenoster Kop (29th November 1900); served also as Commandant at Warm Baths, and as Assistant Provost Marshal (brevet of Major, Medal with three Clasps, King's Medal with two Clasps). Given the rank of Brevet Major on the 22nd August 1902. After the Boer War he served in the 2nd Battalion West Riding Regiment. Promoted to substantive rank of Major on the 7th October 1905. He retired on retired pay 16th February 1907. |
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During the First World War he was recalled and commanded the 12th Battalion (Tees Side) Regiment on the 19th January 1915.
He was awarded the D.S.O. for his service in 1917 (London Gazette 4th June 1917).
At the end of the war he took command of the 17th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment on the June 1918 until April 1919.
Lieut.-Colonel Henry Wrixon Becher died 1951 in County Cork,Ireland.