This genealogy blog is mostly about people. Even where the topic is broadened to cover family history generally, the subject is human events. Pets are not often remembered, and our much-loved companions of other species seldom get a mention.
In a small way, under ‘U for Unregistered’ I have a chance to put this right.
Tyrell Other William Champion de Crespigny (1859 – 1946), my 4th cousin 3 times removed, was a much-decorated soldier who fought in the Second Anglo-Afghan War of 1878 – 1880, the Boer War of 1880 – 1881, and the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882. He rose to the rank of Brigadier-General in the Great War of 1914 – 1919.
I do not know if Tyrell de Crespigny was a fire-eater; he certainly sounds fierce enough. However, he seems to have had a soft spot, for on 26 April 1890, Captain de Crespigny of the 15th Hussars, deployed with his regiment to Cahir in Tipperary, licensed his grey terrier.
I like to think that it was from affection for his dog that Captain de Crespigny submitted to the dog-registration rules of Tipperary’s civil authorities. Even a grey terrier may have its fond guardian and protector. However, the Petty Sessions Court Registers of 24 April 1890 for Cahir, County Tipperary recorded that Captain de Crespigny of the 15th Hussars had an unlicensed dog in his possession at the Cahir Barracks on 23 April 1890. He was fined and directed to take out a license. A number of men of the 15th Hussars appeared that day in the Court Registers for the same offence and on 26 April 14 men from the 15th Hussars registered 18 dogs.
In 1891 Captain de Crespigny of the 15th Hussars licensed a white and tan fox terrier and in 1892 again licensed a white and tan fox terrier. I wonder if the first dog was misdescribed in 1890 or replaced with a puppy by 1891.
The 15th Hussars, a British army cavalry regiment, had been deployed to Cahir between 1889 and 1893.
The Captain was Tyrrell Other William Champion de Crespigny (1859 – 1946), third son of the third baronet, Sir Claude William Champion de Crespigny, and a younger brother to the fourth baronet, Sir Claude (1847 – 1935).
His military career, as summarised when his medals were sold in 2008:
[Tyrell Other William Champion de Crespigny] was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Limerick Artillery Militia in 1876. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the 15th Hussars in 1879 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1881. He served in the Afghan War in the relief of Kandahar, 1880; in the 1st Boer War, 1881, and the Egypt War, 1882, serving at Kassasin and Tel-el-Kebir. He was promoted to Captain in 1888; was Adjutant in 1889, advanced to Major in 1896 and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1902. Placed on Half Pay in 1903, he served as Inspecting Officer Eastern Command and London District; Staff Officer for Imperial Yeomanry, and Colonel in Charge of Cavalry Records, 1905. He was granted the local rank of Colonel in 1905 and promoted to that rank in 1907. During the Great War he attained the rank of Brigadier-General with 8th Army Corps.
Lot 561, 25 June 2008.” Dix Noonan Webb, https://www.dnw.co.uk/auction-archive/lot-archive/lot.php?lot_uid=156994
Anne's Family History 
What an unusual name is “Other”! I like your dog picture. It gives you a glimpse into the character of its owner.
LikeLike
Other was a family name as he was descended from Other Windsor, 4th Earl of Plymouth. I think it sounds quite old but I don’t know the meaning.
LikeLike
Yes I picked up on the name Other as well. Googling it indicates that it may be derived from the Scandinavian given name Ottur. At any rate, I’d be excited if I found this name in my family tree. Have you done a DNA test Anne and found any Scandinavian heritage? https://www.houseofnames.com/other-family-crest
LikeLiked by 1 person
Other Windsor is not a forebear of mine but was a forebear of Tyrell de Crespigny and his middle name would have honoured that forebear.
I just checked – no Scandinavian DNA according to MyHeritage 😉
LikeLike
Kudos for recognising man’s best friend.
LikeLike
Sometimes the dog licence registers even give the animals name, though not for my family either, sadly. My great-grandfather registered a number of greyhounds over the years. Such lovely gentle dogs (unless you’re a rabbit!), we have one now, called Anna.
LikeLike
Great post! I’ve heard that dog license records can be a great source of family history detail, and you’ve provided the proof. Plus, I had to laugh at the image of your ancestor, and his fellow soldiers, getting caught with unlicensed dogs and having to fill out the appropriate paperwork. https://mollyscanopy.com/2021/04/undaunted-seventh-blogiversary-atozchallenge/
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dog in your photo is a cutie Anne. As an animal lover, I’m always happy to find a reference to our ancestors pets. I’d love to know the background to the story of so many of them getting caught without licenses.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like to know the background too. I think they were relatively recently garrisoned so the local government authorities noticed and had a quick win.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My Grandfather, Thomas Gordon, was a sapper and spent some time as an instructor in field works at Chatham. In his diary he listed the officers whom he instructed. One of the entries for September 1885 includes Lieut. T O W C de Crespigny of the 15th Hussars. Coincidently, Thomas Gordon also took part in the 1882 Anglo Egyptian War and was at Kassassin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Z is for Zagazig | Anne's Family History