Lionel Dorling

Colonel Lionel Dorling (7 August 1860 – 11 July 1925) was a British Army officer.

Early years Dorling was born on 7 August 1860 the son of Henry and Elizabeth Dorling of Epsom. He was educated at Charterhouse School between 1873 and 1878, and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 105th Regiment of Foot on 13 August 1879.

Military career Dorling was promoted to lieutenant in the 5th (Militia) Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment on 15 November 1879, and transferred to the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) when he received a commission in the regular army. He served as adjutant of the militia battalion from 30 May 1882 to 20 November 1887, when he relinquished this assignment, during which he was promoted to captain in his actual regiment on 28 May 1884.

In 1893 he was seconded from the KOYLI for service in the Army Pay Department.

War Service

Dorling served in South Africa throughout the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902. He was Field Paymaster to the Natal Field Force, which took part in the effort to Relieve Ladysmith, and he was thus present at the battles of Colenso (December 1899) and the Tugela Heights (February 1900). Promoted to major on 27 March 1900, he stayed in South Africa until after the war ended in June 1902, leaving for England on the SS Dunvegan Castle in October that year. For his service he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 29/07/1902), received the Queen’s Medal with 5 clasps and the King’s Medal with 2 clasps, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in the October 1902 South Africa Honours list (the award was dated 22 August 1902). 3 June 1916 - Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) Col, Lionel Dorling, D.S.O., for services rendered in connection with military operations in the field 1 January 1919 - Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) Col. Lionel Dorling, C.B., D.S.O., A.P. Dept. for services rendered in connection with the War.