Clive Harry Adolphus Wilson (1876-1921)

Major Clive H.A. Wilson D.S.O., of The Chestnuts, Beverley, East Yorkshire

Associated Houses

Tranby Croft

Kingston-upon-Hull

17 Grosvenor Place

London SW1X

Villa Maryland

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

He served in the Boer War as a Lieutenant with the 12th Imperial Yeomanry. In the same war, he was transferred to General Hamilton's staff before being placed with Damant's Horse. He was twice mentioned in despatches and was awarded the DSO. In December, 1901, he was injured, losing a finger on his right hand. He was returned to England to recuperate and the war ended months later. On arriving back at Tranby Croft, the Hull News estimated that some 30,000 locals came out to welcome him home - such was the popularity of the Wilson family at that time (see video footage).

He was a director of the family shipping line, Thomas Wilson, Sons & Co., until it ran into difficulties and was sold to Ellermans. He was Chairman of Messrs Lamberts, Parker and Gaines Ltd., and a director of the United Shipping Company, London; and, Story, Smithson & Company of Hull. He was Master of the Holderness Hounds a member of the Hull Polo Club. In 1907, he married Elvira Magherini of Florence, Italy. They made their home at Beverley, Yorkshire, and had two children, Thetis and Raymond. On the outbreak of World War I, Clive again resumed military duties becoming a Major before retiring due to ill health in 1916. He died five years later of apoplexy in his bath.
Contributed by Mark Meredith on 02/10/2019 and last updated on 26/01/2023.