BRIGADIER-GENERAL OWEN THOMAS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12061, 17 July 1917, Page 2

BRIGADIER-GENERAL OWEN THOMAS.

The military scandal which was unearthed a few months ago, when a certain society lady endeavoured to influence the position of an Army subaltern, revealed tho face that BrigadierGeueral O'wen Thomas was mixed up in the lady's intrigues, and as a result of tho inquiry I hat was instituted ho was relieved of », Welsh Brigade command. The result of the inquiry showed that the officer had been "indiscreet."

Eecentlv the honour of a Knighthood was conferred on him. as a reward for services rendered in connection with tho war.

Brigadier-General Owen Thomas, who is now one of the most, popular m<?n in Wales, is descended from the founder of one of the fifteen Royal tribe, of Gwyuedd, and until his retirement a few months ago he was the only "Welsh-speaking general on active service.

His military career began over thirty yeans ago. and at the outbreak of the South African War, when lie was Secoml-in-Command of the -Ith Volunteer Battalion Royal AYelsh Fusiliers, ho was posted by Lord Milner to the command of a squadron of Brabant'!! Horse. He tool? part in over eighty engagements, including the siege, nf "Wepiier, and was in command of the troops who first entered the town. Ho was twice mentioned in dispatches for bravery and leadership in action, and was awarded the Queen's and King's South African Medals with six clasps. Ho also raised and commanded a mounted corps of Welshmen, which the late King Edward, then Prince of Wales, authorised him to call the " Prince of Wales's Light Horse,'' and was specially thanked by Le.rd Kitchener for his services.

During the pjecsent war he has himself raised, trained, and commanded two brigades of Welshmen, and has been instrumental in rallying many thousands of his fellow-countrymen to the Colours. When Major-General Sir Francis Lloyd took up the London Command. Brigadier-General Thomas was appointed to succeed him. Sir Owen Thomas is-closely associated with the Duke of Westminster, Lord Plymouth, Lord Cobham, and others in East African land development, and is generally regarded as the most likely member of Parliament for Anglesey at th& next, election.

He is an expert agriculturist, has served on more than one Royal Commission, and has been awarded the first prize for the best-tilled farm in his native county of Anglesey.