Distinguished Service Order awarded to Colonel William Henry Slingsby O'Neill, The Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Silver-gilt alisee cross enamelled in white with gold edges, with a central roundel in red enamel with a gold royal cypher, surrounded by a gold and green enamelled wreath. The medal hangs from a gilt ring and suspension bar with laurel leaves and the red and blue ribbon is fixed with a second bar.

Born on 28 May 1854, Slingsby was commissioned as a lieutenant with the 103rd Foot (Royal Dublin Fusiliers) on 10 September 1875. He was promoted to captain on 20 January 1884 and to major on 16 May 1894. He served in South Africa between 1899 and 1902 with 1st Battalion, The Royal Dublin Fusiliers, being present at the Relief of Ladysmith, Laings Nek, operations in Orange River Colony and operations in the Transvaal. Slingsby was also Mentioned in Despatches on 7 February 1901.

His Distinguished Service Order (DSO) was announced in 'The London Gazette' on 19 April 1901 'In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa'. In November 1902 he became a Lieutenant-Colonel and in 1909 a colonel. Slingsby later commanded 3rd Battalion, The Royal Dublin Fusiliers, during World War One (1914-1918).

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a British military decoration, given to recognise meritorious and distinguished service by officers. It was instituted in the reign of Queen Victoria in 1886. From 1993 the award was open to all ranks.